WAILEA, Maui >> This famous foursome isn't getting any younger. Seniors remain a big draw
By Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.comThat's why when Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Hale Irwin get together for a round of golf, there's usually a television camera or two and a gathering of senior citizens just over their shoulders to catch a glimpse of greatness.
This time around, the senior set tours the Wailea Resort's Gold Course for this year's version of the ConAgra Foods Champions Skins Game. Twelve of the 18 holes will be broadcast live on ABC-TV today, with the final six holes scheduled for tomorrow before the Super Bowl.
They will be playing for $600,000, with three-time defending champion Irwin as the man to beat. The 55-year-old continued his record run in Hawaii by winning the senior event at Turtle Bay last fall to become the first golfer on the Champions Tour to earn more than $3 million in a single season.
In five Skins Games appearances, Irwin has pocketed a whopping $1.37 million. Overall, the senior circuit has been kind to Irwin since he joined in 1997. That season, he was the first to make more than $2 million when he tied the Champions Tour record of nine victories. He won seven more times and $2.8 million in 1998 and is the clear favorite in today's event.
"I think I have been quite opportunistic," Irwin said when asked why he has been so successful in skins competition. "If there is a secret to winning in a skins format, it's to try to be in every hole. You've got to give yourself that chance to win."
What: ConAgra Foods Champions Skins Game Senior skins
Who: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Hale Irwin
Where: Wailea Gold Course on Maui
When: Today, 9:45 a.m. Hawaii time
TV: KITV (today and tomorrow)
Internet: seniorskinswailea.comHis three playing partners gave themselves plenty of chances to win during the course of their careers. Nicklaus has won more majors than any other golfer with 20. Palmer has 92 career titles, including four Masters, two British Opens and one U.S. Open. Trevino won 29 times on the PGA Tour, including two U.S. Opens, two British Opens and two PGA titles.
Not surprisingly, Nicklaus is second on the senior skins list with $1.445 million and Palmer is third with $1.065 million won in this popular exhibition. Trevino may not have the same kind of prize money in this format, but in a skins competition in 1987 at PGA West, the Merry Mex had a hole-in-one that was worth $175,000.
"At the time, I was just trying to get it close," Trevino said. "Nicklaus had just tied Fuzzy (Zoeller) on the 16th hole to carry the money over to the 17th. The pin position favored me, it was the "right pin," which meant I was able to cut a 6-iron in there. I remember my caddy, Herman Mitchell, was more excited than I was when the ball went in.
"He literally picked me up off the ground with a hug and said, 'Thank you, Santa Claus!' It would be nice to see some 'right pin' placements on the holes (today). My game was not the best in 2002 and that comes from not practicing enough. But I am glad to start fresh in 2003 and I would love to win the Champions Skins Game. It would be a great way to start the year."
All four golfers are expected to take part in next week's opening tournament on the Champions Tour. Tom Kite will attempt to defend his MasterCard Championship title on the Big Island, but should get some stiff competition in the winners-only event, including Irwin.
"It seems that every year we're talking about how well Hale Irwin has been playing," Nicklaus said. "He's been one of the best senior players and certainly the most consistent over the last six or seven years. I fully expect him to be one of the guys to beat this year.
"Arnold and I have had countless battles over the years and there is not a single time where we don't go out there and have a great deal of fun, and, at the same time, want to beat each other. I think Arnold will tell you that he has a bit of a hard time competing in a full event. But in an event like this, he is just as competitive as anyone you could put out there."
The seniors aren't the only ones having a little fun this weekend. The LPGA will revive the skins format tomorrow for the first time since 1998. That year, Laura Davies captured the title. She will be back to defend against Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb and Laura Diaz.
The $600,000 event will be played tomorrow before the Super Bowl, but won't be aired on ESPN until July. In four LPGA Skins appearances, Davies has won a record $890,000. Sorenstam has earned $420,000 in three skins appearances and Webb has pocketed $240,000 in two.
"I'm looking forward to playing with these three women," Sorenstam said yesterday during a rainy practice round. "Karrie and I have been very competitive with one another the past few years. It should be fun."
Sorenstam is coming off a record performance in which she won 11 times on the LPGA Tour last year. It was the best season for a touring pro in 38 years. She also won the Australian Ladies Masters and the Swedish Open, giving her 13 victories in 25 starts.
Webb won twice last year, including the British Open. She was the hottest golfer around two years ago. She beat Sorenstam in a playoff at an LPGA event on the Big Island. Davies has four major titles in her golf bag, while Diaz broke through with two wins last year. It's a fairly powerful foursome for the ladies.
"We are delighted to see the return of the LPGA Skins Game," LPGA commissioner Ty M. Votaw said. "Annika, Karrie, Laura Davies and Laura Diaz are a wonderful foursome who will provide fans and viewers with brilliant golf combined with tremendous personality."
The ConAgra Foods Champions Skins Game
