Justin Timberlake hits out of the rough during a pro-am at TPC Summerlin Monday, October 13, 2008. The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, part of the PGA Tour’s fall series, will be played through Sunday.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 | 3:58 p.m.
Special section
Beyond the Sun
Ticket information
- WHAT: Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
- WHEN: Oct. 13 to 19, gates open 8 a.m. Oct. 13-14 and 6:30 a.m., Oct. 15-19
- WHERE: TPC Summerlin, 1700 Village Center Circle COST: $15 standard admission, $25 includes admission to the entertainment pavilion
- INFO: jtshrinersopen.com or call 873-1010
The namesake of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open was not difficult to find Monday when the first day of golf got underway at TPC Summerlin.
An entourage of about 40 fans and media followed the pop star from hole to hole as he golfed with PGA Tour professional John Daly in the first of two professional-amateur events.
Many fans, such as Summerlin resident Shari Wins, were able to get photos and autographs with Timberlake between his shots.
“We came out today to see Justin,” said Wins, whose home overlooks the golf course. “I’m not as much as a fan anymore but I like to come by and see all the action.”
Timberlake’s interest in golf spread to a group of 11 fans, who affectionately call themselves “the mob” for their devotion to their favorite music idol.
“He’s really talented and he’s really nice to his fans,” said Amy Fournelle, who traveled from Minnesota to see Timberlake. “We really enjoyed today because it’s something different. I think it’s cool that he’s branching out to other things.”
A total of 30 amateurs were divided in groups to play a shotgun round with one of 10 professionals, including UNLV alum Chris Riley.
Most amateurs, including Tiger Woods’ former instructor Butch Harmon and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, put up more than $6,000 to play the event.
Aside from Timberlake’s following, the opening day crowds were not large. Crowds are expected to increase for the professional tournament from Thursday through Sunday.
“We look forward to this every year,” Las Vegas resident Lance Christopherson said. “Being out here, and the atmosphere of the tournament itself. This is our first time coming earlier in the week and I think you have a lot more access to the players that are out here.”
Local golfer John Montgomery, a vice commander at the Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, took part in the pro-am.
Montgomery enjoyed the afternoon being paired with Carlos Franco, a winner of four PGA Tour events, even if his 13 handicap made it difficult to keep up.
“On the first hole, I was pretty darn nervous,” Montgomery said. “You’re just hoping they will be comfortable with you. After I hit the first shot well, I didn’t feel the eyes on me as much and I just enjoyed the day.”
For Ralph Semb, chairman for Shriners Hospitals for Children, the first day was just a taste of what more is to come.
“We’re trying to build the tournament back up to where it once was,” Semb said. “It’s going to be a process and we have to get the community involved so they realize the importance of having professional golfers come to town in this tournament each year. The Summerlin area has been so receptive.”
Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].
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