Roger Clemens, the now free-agent pitcher who started Game 1 of the World Series for the Houston Astros this past October, becomes the first active player from another sport to square off against PGA (and LPGA) Tour stars in nationally televised competition this weekend with the airing of the ADT Skills Challenge on NBC.
It is also the debut for Paula Creamer against men and in a PGA Tour-sanctioned competition.
Clemens, a six handicap, was not a threat to win the event (as Mark McGwire did in ’03), since he limped off that mound that night (Oct. 22) and then teed it up against the likes of Chris DiMarco, Fred Funk, Nick Faldo, Jason Gore, Peter Jacobsen, Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer just 23 days later, when the event was taped at Trump International in Palm Beach, FL.
The competition airs Saturday, Dec. 24, 4-6 p.m. ET and Sunday, Dec. 25, 4-6 p.m. ET. It is the only golf on network TV all weekend.
The most unusual element of the Saturday show is Clemens giving an impromptu pitching lesson to baseball fans DiMarco, Gore and Jacobsen about the intricacies and psychology of his craft, using a baseball to display his grip for certain pitches.
Gary Koch, the Champions Tour competitor and NBC golf analyst, described the scene thusly:
"These millionaire golfers were sitting there like a bunch of wide-eyed, 10 year-old little leaguers. It was amazing
Of note in the Sunday show is video of Morgan Pressel (who lives in nearby Boca Raton)working as a runner for NBC analyst Dottie Pepper. Pressel went from working as a gopher at the ADT Skills Challenge on Nov. 14 to finishing sixth in LPGA Q-School to being granted early admission to the LPGA to signing an endorsement deal with Callaway in five weeks.
The 14th edition of the event makes it one of the longest running of golf’s challenge season and it has retained its network TV status that entire time.
FACT SHEET
2005 ADT Golf Skills Challenge
Who – PGA Tour Professionals Nick Faldo
Peter Jacobsen Chris DiMarco
Fred Funk
Jason Gore
LPGA Tour Professionals Annika Sorenstam
Paula Creamer
Celebrity Participant Roger Clemens
What – The ADT Skills Challenge is the 14th annual competition to determine the best situational shotmakers from the select field of players. The eight skill categories are:
Each player is allowed three shots per skill for the first seven skills, with only the best one counting toward the designated purse. On the eighth skill (short iron) each player gets one ball, plus one extra ball for each skill that they’ve won through the first seven skills. In addition, the final skill will be worth more money than the previous seven, potentially giving more players a chance to win in the final stages. All eight players wear microphones as part of an elaborate production that showcases great shot-making and individual personalities more than any other televised golf event.
Prize Money – $800,000 — $90,000 per skill in each of the first seven. The eighth skill will be worth $130,000. The winner of the event will also receive a $40,000 bonus.
Television – NBC Sports, Sat., Dec. 24 and Sun., Dec. 25, 4-6 p.m. ET both days (Taped November 14 at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, FL)
Where – Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach
Past Champions – Nick Faldo (defending champ); Peter Jacobsen, Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade (twice each); Mark McGwire, Gary Player, Nick Price, Lee Janzen, Vijay Singh, Matt Kuchar
ADDITIONAL AUDIENCE INTEREST PEGS
Content of telecasts is a virtual highlight reel with all players going straight for the pin on every shot (except the long drive).
With all eight players miked throughout the entire competition, baiting, joking and gamesmanship are key elements as the individual personalities are showcased more prominently than in any other televised golf event.
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