National Baseball Hall of Famer and World Series Champion John Smoltz, Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, Stanley Cup Champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano and 14-Year NBA Veteran and Former Basketball Analyst Jon Barry headline inaugural THE PRO CUP at Innisbrook Resort from Dec. 9-14
Full schedule of five tournaments coming in 2025
PALM HARBOR, Fla., – THE PRO RIVALS OPEN, a new competitive golf tournament series that brings together professional athletes from the four major sports leagues, launched today.
Active and former professional athletes from the worlds of basketball, baseball, football and hockey will compete head-to-head in four sport-specific golf tournaments spanning the next year to crown the best player from each league. THE PRO CUP – an annual team competition – brings all sports leagues together in a Ryder Cup-style match play tournament to determine which league prevails on the course.
The new league kicks off this year with the inaugural THE PRO CUP at the famed Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Fla., on Dec. 9-14. National Baseball Hall of Famer and World Series Champion John Smoltz, Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, Stanley Cup Champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano and 14-year NBA veteran and former basketball analyst Jon Barry will captain their league’s respective teams in a three-day match play event that includes doubles and singles matches. Full rosters for the event are forthcoming and will be announced in the fall, along with the full five-tournament 2025 schedule.
THE PRO is owned by BW Sports and Pure Sports Holdings and was co-created with ETZEL, its management partner. It was designed specifically for athletes and sports legends who want the experience and competition of a professional golf tournament.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 03: NFL Hall of Fame member Jerome Bettis tees off the 17th hole during the “Golf With a Purpose” Charity Challenge at East Lake Golf Club on September 03, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“Professional athletes of this caliber are never done competing,” said Nick Clark, General Manager, THE PRO RIVALS OPEN. “THE PRO taps into the relentless competitive drive of professional athletes and gives them an opportunity to compete at a high level in a new arena. We’re bringing some of the top athletes in the world to America’s biggest sports cities to deliver a compelling golf experience for players and fans, while making a positive impact in local communities by showcasing the transformative impacts of sports.”
THE PRO format will mirror other professional golf events with two early week practice rounds, a tournament Pro-Am that pairs four amateur players with one professional athlete and three days of competition.
Hall of Famer John Smoltz
“Throughout my playing career, I always found an outlet on the golf course and when I get the chance to compete, I take advantage of it,” said Hall of Famer John Smoltz. “I wanted to be a part of something that pushes me as an athlete, and THE PRO does that in a new way. It will bring together some of the greatest professional athletes from across the world of sport, testing us in a completely new environment and format. This is such a unique and exciting concept, and it meets the ongoing passion and desire that we all have to compete at a high level.”
THE PRO CUP is open to the public with daily and weekly tickets available for purchase.
Pro-Am packages, hospitality offerings and volunteer positions are now available at www.theprorivalsopen.com.
“We are honored to be THE PRO CUP’s inaugural host,” added Bobby Barnes, General Manager of Innisbrook Resort, which is owned by noted business and sports leader Sheila Johnson. “Not only are we excited to see these incredible athletes challenge our renowned Copperhead Course, but it’s incredibly compelling to see them do so in a Ryder Cup-style format.”
THE PRO is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it visits by partnering with local organizations that support youth athletic programs. THE PRO CUP has partnered with CFY Pinellas to support youth athletics programs in Pinellas County, Fla. Additional charity partners will be announced in early 2025 in conjunction with each tournament.
For more information about THE PRO, visit theprorivalsopen.com.
About THE PRO
THE PRO is a competitive golf tournament series that brings together professional athletes from the four major professional sports leagues. The league includes four sport-specific stroke play golf tournaments and a team format championship – THE PRO CUP – hosted annually to determine which league prevails on the course for the ultimate bragging rights. Players will participate in practice rounds, a pro-am and a three-day tournament that replicates the feel – and the pressure – of a professional golf tournament. THE PRO takes place at iconic golf venues across the country, testing the mettle of some of the most talented and accomplished athletes in new ways.
About BW Sports and PURE Sports Holdings
BW Sports and PURE Sports Holdings are affiliated investment companies focused on the golf, baseball, and real estate space and the opportunities that connect them.
About ETZEL
ETZEL Agency is a respected leader in the live event and experiential marketing space, dedicated to crafting memorable moments. Our expertise includes Live Events, Digital Experiences, Creative Services, VIP Environments, Talent Procurement/Management, Sponsorship Sales, and Strategic Consulting. We are committed to partnering with brands and properties to deliver outstanding service and innovative solutions. ETZEL’s competitive yet collaborative mentality combined with its vast relationships creates partnership that produces success. Together with our clients we are relentless in our pursuit of the desired outcome while also enjoying the process. Visit us at etzelagency.com to learn more about our extraordinary team.
Media can access the media kit for THE PRO here.
Media Contacts
Megan Godfrey
Johnathan McGinty
johnathan@trestlecollective.com
