I remember how humbling Jordan's attempt at baseball was...I think he is in for an equally humbling experience.

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Nov. 14, 2008
By The Associated Press
Michael Jordan has played with Tiger Woods in a pro-am at the Wachovia Championship and competed in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. His toughest test might come next June at Bethpage Black in the days before the U.S. Open.

Jordan has agreed to take part in the "Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge," according to an official involved in the event. He will join Justin Timberlake, another celebrity and one amateur who best explains in a 6-word essay why he or she can break 100.

U.S. Presidents Cup Captain Fred Couples reportedly will caddy for Jordan at Bethpage. Couples has said he wants the NBA great to be an assistant captain for the Americans when the Presidents Cup is played at Harding Park in Oct. 2009.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the celebrities have not been announced.

Woods was the only player to break par when the U.S. Open was held at Bethpage Black in 2002, winning by three shots.

It was Woods' comment two years ago at Oakmont -- that a 10-handicapper couldn't break 100 at the U.S. Open -- that led Golf Digest and the USGA to put together a test in the days leading up to the event.

Earlier this year at Torrey Pines, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo shot an 84 in the challenge, while "Today" host Matt Lauer shot 100 and the amateur winner, Nebraska sales John Atkinson, shot 114.

For the amateurs, the biggest challenge might be writing such a short essay -- six words, down from 100 last year. They also can submit a 60-second video. They have until Jan. 31 to submit their entries on www.gdopencontest.com.

Golf Digest will select five finalists, and the public will choose the winner in online voting. This year's contest generated 56,374 essays, and more than 117,000 people voted online.

NBC Sports will broadcast the event in a 90-minute program June 21 leading into final-round coverage of the U.S. Open.

"The passion for this opportunity that was expressed by golfers from every walk of life last year was overwhelming," Golf Digest chairman Jerry Tarde said. "With the help of the USGA and NBC Sports, we hope to again create a very special and emotional day for one deserving winner."

He won't break 100.

Jordan better start working on his game. His is a vanity handicap if there was one. Good luck to him That course is going to be brutal to say the least.

Ill go ahead and set the over under for his round at 110

he'll shoot 96

Front nine or back nine? He had 5 points total for 3 rounds at this years American Century Celebrity tournament. You get 1 point for making a par. 96 would be a huge accomplishment for him.

EDIT: I guarantee the Lake Tahoe course is set up easier than Bethpage will be too.

did you see that shot over craig elo, trust me, 96 is a lock

well since I cant figure out how to embed video from youtube

Jordan on swingvision

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPduSAD6d0k...feature=related

MJ had a better chance at baseball than golf. He'll be a good TV draw!

I'm sure there's plenty of people on GolfWRX that have played Bethpage Black... generally- how well does a 10 handicap do on that course when it is set up for "normal" play (not US Open play)?

(I'll take a trek out there and play it when I'm a better golfer- don't want to waste the effort yet...)

If they cut the fairways in half which I know they will there is no way he will break 100.


Scotty B

From what I recall there was a low single digit wrx member somewhere around a 1-3 handicap that played the tips on the black course in non tourney conditions and posted 83. From the what did you shoot today thread.

MJ is not that good of a player. Romo would be a lock tho.

1 hundy on the nose.

Knowing Jordan you might be able to get some odds on his score and make it interesting.

some of the new tees are just silly long.....plus that rough....no way mj breaks 100....prob wouldnt break 90 on a normal day

I doubt he breaks 110

I played Bethpage this summer the week before the NYS Open (see sig for trip report). Rough was waaay up, balls go straight to the bottom.

No way he breaks 100, no way. You've gotta hit it long, and you've gotta be straight off the tee. Also got to be able to hit high flying, soft landing long iron shots.

I see 110 as the over/under for him provided he works on his game. To say he has been less than impressive in the Celebrity events is an understatement.

I think Justin Timberlake has more golf game than MJ.

Goddammit - when is Canada going to become a US state so I can enter contests like this..

I think MJ will make it close - within 4 shots either side of 100.

Just curious, what is the length like in tourney conditions from the back tees at the Black?

Are they going to be playing from the tournament tees? If so then MJ will not break 100. The rough will eat him up.

there isn't much I wouldn't give to win this gig!!!

Man oh man...he probably won't break 100, but come on, would you care what he shot if you had the chance to play with him.

Heck, I'd ask him what he wanted to shoot, put it on the card and attest it...follow that with--You're welcom Mr. Jordan sir.

I'd do my best to shoot 200--I'd want to hit as many shots and take as long as possible to play that round!

I played there in early July this year as a 7 cap. I was teamed up with 3 locals, so there was a lot of help from these guys regarding angles, the rough, and putting. Keep in mind that we played from 6,700 yards. I shot a 88 with no lost balls. Every time I'd drive the ball into the rough, I just took my sand wedge and advanced it 75 yards down the fairway. I also never went at a green, if I was in the rough outside of 100 yards. No birdies, 5 pars, 10 bogeys, and 4 doubles. The easiest part of the course is the greens. They run pure, and most are fairly flat. I guess what I'm saying here, is that you can easily break 100 if you play very safe. If I tried to hit greens from the rough, I would say it would have added at least a dozen shots to my score. I've played Torrey as well, and I think Bethpage is tougher.

I'd imagine playing it from 7200-7500 yards would have turned that 88 into at or over 100. You'd be swinging a little harder in order to have a shorter club into the green, you'd consequently miss more fairways..and the rough will be longer then.

I'm hoping to be playing with him when he shoots 108.

WW

I've played all the courses at Bethpage many times, and the "Black" around 8 times. I have also seen MJ play golf. The Black course will eat him alive! This ain't "The City Game",.............We're talking GOLF, at one of the toughest courses in the world!!

anyone know what MJ's handicap and what he equipment he plays?

i dont think people give MJ enough credit for hitting .202 in the minors.

that being said, he shoots 102.

I play the black about 6 times a year. I shoot in the mid to high 80's from the white tees. A bad day I shoot in the low 90's. Unless you hit it 290 off the tee, it is best to play most of the par 4 as a 5. Wedge it in tight and hope for a one putt or at worst 2 putt. You have to take your medicine, If you are a short driver like me(240-250), you will have 200-220 into the Par 4's all day long, And some of the holes You have to FLY it onto the green or you are dead, see #5,#10. That is why I sometimes hit wedges into these greens, even though I am in the fairway and 210 out. I cannot hit a towering 5 iron from 210 out. Play your game, don't think you are Tiger and Hope that you are a great putter and you can shoot a good score here. There are no tricked up holes, except #15, that hole sucks.

im ~15 cap, i played black for the first time about a month ago and shot my best round ever 84. i somehow was just in the zone. i shot a +3 front 9. but i was playing from the whites...from the tips is ~600yards longer. i was pretty straight off the tee and stayed out of the rough for most of the round. and it was raining pretty hard. def the best golf story i have to date

i bet in tourney conditions, the rougher is higher and the fairways r tighter tho

Only thing you missed was a serious butt kicking


Someone brought up a very good point. The greens are very flat, hardest green on the course is on hole 12. That green seems like it was built/designed by someone else because it is completely out of character compared to most other holes there.

But, getting to the greens is a completely different story. Can't say it enough: you have to have that high flying long iron game.

I could not imagine the Black with undulating greens. That would make it the hardest course in the world.

I wish I could get down there before the US open one more time to use that layup strategy. I was too busy playing balls-to-the-wall, bomb-and-gauge golf to do so. Probably could've shaved 10 strokes off my score easily. Course management at its worst

I played there for the first time earlier this year, I also shot from the whites. At the time I was a 9 capper and I shot an 89, with ESC it was an 86 (I made a 10 on 16th hole). I too played pretty well for myself that day. I can't say that I was particularly in the zone, but being psyched to play the course, I gave every shot my full attention. I kept it pretty clean, I only lost one ball, and I had quite a few highlight moments.

I hope to join MJ and the rest - I entered this contest and I am totally sure that I could break 100. Anyone else enter?

I'll agree with most of what italianstallion says. I've played it once and it is a fantastic course, visually arresting and intimidating. It makes you feel small. The looks from the tee and approaching the greens, that's really the teeth of this course, the deep fescue-trimmed monster sized bunkers greeting you with every shot. But once you're on the green, they're pretty flat and benevolent. I putted good my first time there, 33 putts and I seem to remember aiming most short and mid putts inside the hole.

It's probably a little bit over-hyped. I don't care for the tricked-out rough. The layout is difficult enough. But beyond that, it's a worthy golf destination. So whether you missed out sort of depends. It's kind of like a double-black diamond ski trail. If you can carry your drives at least around 240-250 and be able to flight your irons decently high enough, then you can have a fun round..BUT if not, it's not very playable. A guy in our group couldn't even reach a lot of the fairways and ended up having to skip a bunch of holes, he just couldn't hack it. Despite that he told me he played there regularly and loves it. I guess at the $50 resident rate, it is pretty awesome.

I have played it 4 times, too many great holes to call a favorite, I have broken 90 everytime, one time I took a 10 on the easiest hole number 2 and shot 84, usually 83-86 and I am a plus caper. The travel and the car sleep make it really tough, I think we are going back next year, TIM

I agree 100%! Had a 3 1/2 hour car ride down, slept in the trunk of my Mustang (really hard time getting to sleep, like a kid on Christmas night) only to wake up at 4 in the morning.


Still thinking of something creative to say in 6 words though. I wouldn't mind playing the course again, but it would just be cool to play with those guys (Justin Timberlake looks like a fun loving guy).

ours is a 13 hour trip, the car sleep is a part of the fun but it is tough, Jorden should break 100 if he keeps it in play, tim

Does anyone even CARE about Jordan play the Black Course??  Dude, I would rather watch Justin TIMBERLAKE play the Black Course instead of Jordan.

"MJ" will shoot 150 from the white tees IF they actually keep the camera on him and dont let him cheat.  Im sure he will be trying to bump it in the rough, after the first 8s on the card.

 Im officially starting the campaign to see Timberlake ROAST jordan on the Black Course!!

I open my Golf Digest I received today and had to chuckle at the quote on page 6 (with a big picture of MJ). He said: "If Justin Timberlake can break 100, I know damn well I can". Oh Mike...I think you are in for a very rude awakening. I think his ego is too big to play "safe" golf just to break 100. He thinks he has serious game and is likely going to try to play the course like a "real" player. I hope I'm wrong, but I think he is going to take it on...and go down in flames.

I saw that as well and started laughing

Seriously though, if he can break 100 for his first time there and beat my 94 first time score on that course then I'm gonna quit golf

I have NO respect for Michael Jordan..sure he was a great basketball player but he is a LOSER to gamble with on the golf course. I've golfed at one of the private clubs in Chicago where he's a member and played with a few members who USED to play with him. He likes to talk a good game and loves to gamble...but will not pay his debts. He states I will get you next time, then will want to play double or nothing next time, but never pays. Yet, if he wins he expects to get paid IMMEDIATELY. JORDAN, I wish you could read this and man up to your losses. He has a horrible reputation at the clubs because of this. I wanted to play in this so I could gamble with him and make the bet in front of thousands, then watch him avoid paying in front of hit thousands of fans that think he is this great guy. I have lost all respect for the great basketball player who is a CHUMP!!

Dude you dont EVEN know how cheap that guy is!  I have a "friend" that is a blackjack dealer at Bellagio.  She says he NEVER tips, no matter how much he is up. Nothing, nada!  All he does he sexually harrass her and talk trash the whole time!  What a punk!

I used to play golf with guys that were in the NBA and they claim he talked more unreasonable trash than ANYONE else in the league..

it truly is shocking Jordan is trying to find the spotlight yet again. guy just never gives up, always wants to be in front of the camera.

1. I hope he does not beat Justin Timberlake's score.
2. I also hope Justin Timberlake hosts the ESPY's again next year.
3. And I hope he shoves it right in MJ's face as part of his opening act.

AND I'd like to see them battle in a charity match-play event.

p.s. i think MJ plays Ping irons.

I totally agree. What's up with disrespecting Justin Timberlake? His handicap is about the same as Jordan's. His swing is probably better. He also seemed like a pretty avid golfer and good guy in the recent Golf Digest interview. I hope Jordan shoots higher than the 10 handicap who wins the contest. He needs a serving of humble pie.

I wasnt disrepecting JT.  i personally dont like to watch any amatuers play golf on tv, unless it's the US Amatuer.    However, JT appears to be a reasonably UNathletic individual compared to MJ. having that lil guy LIGHT HIM UP, would be PRICELESS....

You know that if mj was more honest about his handicap, he could PROBABLY get more strokes, when gambling, and not owe everyone $$$$.  lol

JT has mj beat in the smokin hot GF category.

I disagree with JT being "reasonably unathletic". He appears to be in great physical shape and very athletic to me... He also now has a golf sponsorship... MJ does not (seems all he can get these days are Hanes underwear!)

Bottom line, MJ's comment was one that only a 'd!ck' would make... and for that I hope he has a d!ck out off the first tee.

I didn't watch last year's edition at Torrey, but this one might be worth watching for the laughs.

When is this on?

And what exactly did MJ say?

See post #38 of this thread...

There is no question MJ has held a vanity handicap for many years and by doing so has raised quite a number of questions regarding his actual ability. However, his paying of gambling losses (or lack there of) is often exaggerated to say the least.

Briefly, let me point out his desire to join the most exclusive clubs in and around Chicago is well documented and his success at doing so has been marginal at best. Two in particular (one north and one west of the city), all male and quite guarded about their privacy (so much so that spouses are not allowed to drop their husbands off on property), have declined membership without him going through the proper channels; extensive wait lists, multiple interviews, etc. These are not the only two that he has had issues becoming a member at yet it is well known of his desire to join those in particular. This not to say he is not a country club member, nor that he doesnt pretty much play wherever he wants. I know of at least two- however I wouldnt be surprised if there were a few others.
Getting back on track, MJ does indeed love high stakes action on the golf course- no surprise there. I know of a handful of guys at mentioned clubs who have played many rounds with him and collecting has really never been a problem. They are some of the wealthiest in Chicago and include the biggest commodity traders I know or have heard of. This is not to say he hasnt left without paying a loss but more often than not, they settle up. I am certain there are times when someone, somewhere got stiffed but to say ALWAYS and NEVER in this context is a bit silly...
The horrible reputation that you speak of has more to do with his playing ability than with his "short arm, deep pocket" issues. I mean, would you want him as your partner as a supposed 3 (or whatever the hell he says is hndcp is), playing a nine point scotch game, $2000 a point unlimited presses? Not even if I had Bill Gates' money! Couple that with all the attention he attracts, EVERYWHERE, and that makes for a brutal day...
Sadly his reputation for being a bit on the "frugal" side is well documented also. Ive never really understood why that is the case- he is certainly not the only one as I am sure we have ALL heard stories professional athletes or hollywood types and their aversion to tipping properly...

And no, breaking 100 at Bethpage is about as likely as MJ being left off the all-millenium team in basketball- slim and none...