BUCKINGHAM — Stories about former 49ers head coach Bill Walsh and renewed enthusiasm in the Raiders Nation should be among the hot topics on Aug. 25 when the 11th annual Pepsi Celebrity Quarterback Golf Shootout returns to Buckingham Golf and Country Club.
Konocti Presents is counting on another stud-studded field to bring in fans from far and near as 20 former NFL players, many of them stars and two owners of Hall of Fame rings, walk the fairways at Buckingham, where golf balls and autographs will be flying in every which direction.
With three NFL player spots still to be filled, the 11th edition of the Shootout features headliner Jerry Rice, the former star wide receiver of the San Francisco 49ers and owner of many NFL records who has his own spot reserved in Canton.
The field of celebrities also includes Hall of Fame members Fred Biletnikoff, star wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, and Deacon Jones, a member of the Los Angeles” Rams legendary Fearsome Foursome; former 49er wide receiving greats Dwight Clark, Mike Wilson and J.J. Stokes; running back Roger Craig, who played for both of the Bay Area”s NFL franchises; former Raiders star wide receiver Cliff Branch; former Raiders QBs and fan-favorites Kenny Stabler and “Mad Bomber” Daryle Lamonica; QBs Craig Morton of the Denver Broncos, Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams and John Paye of the 49ers; former Raiders running back Marv Hubbard; former star tight ends Russ Francis of the 49ers and Raymond Chester of the Raiders; and fan-favorite Art Thoms of the Raiders, one of only two defensive players in this year”s Shootout (Jones is the other).
There”s still no word on who will fill the final three slots, but there could be a surprise or two in there, according to Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa general manager Greg Bennett, who teamed up with Buckingham PGA pro Mark Wotherspoon to found the Shootout in 1997.
The Shootout will once again be held in two flights, with each of the 20 pros paired with an amateur foursome in the morning flight (8:30 a.m. shotgun start), and the same 20 pros paired with different amateur foursomes in the afternoon flight (approximately noon tee time).
“Twenty-five slots out of 160 are still available,” Bennett said of the remaining amateur spots. “Once those are filled we”ll be set.”
Amateur golf packages ? three different ones are available ? can be reserved by calling 800-660-LAKE.
“It”s going good right now, we”re right on schedule,” Bennett said of Shootout preparations. “It”s the kickoff to Summerfest and we”re all primed,” Bennett added.
Bennett said the unfortunate death of Walsh, who led the 49ers to the first three of their five Super Bowl championships, will be felt by all the Shootout participants, especially the assembled 49ers, all of whom played for the legendary coach.
“It”s sad,” added Bennett, who said Shootout organizers had hopes of landing Walsh for this year”s event but that his deteriorating health made that impossible. “He”ll be missed.”
While the Shootout is the cornerstone of Shootout weekend, which is Aug. 24-25, the fun begins with the Pool & Pairings party on Aug. 24 at Konocti Harbor, followed by Eddie Money in concert at the Classic Concert Showroom.
On Aug. 25, Shootout day begins with the Sunrise Champagne Breakfast at Konocti Harbor, then it”s over to Buckingham for the Shootout. Following the tournament, the action switches back to Konocti Harbor for the Awards Show and Memorabilia Auction, followed by REO Speedwagon in concert.
Tickets to all Shootout events and concerts can be obtained by calling 800-660-LAKE.
