NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Rice had great hands on a football field, hauling in 1,549 passes over a 21-year career. Now the public is about to see what kind of hands Rice has around the greens as he has become a golf professional and will make his Nationwide Tour debut on April 12, 2010 at the Fresh Express Classic at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward. Stonebrae is the only Northern California Nationwide Tour stop.
Rice began to play golf during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. When the team held preseason camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, he could often be seen between practice sessions at a nearby driving range. Rice actually turned pro some time ago and won $10,000 competing in the 2009 American Century Celebrity Championship at Edgewood Tahoe with a 10th place finish. However, this will be his first appearance in a professional golf tour event.
Commenting about his lack of tournament experience he said, “I’m nervous about playing to be honest with you.” Rice was granted a sponsor exemption into the tournament and will also be the tournament host. His Jerry Rice 127 Foundation, will be the primary recipient of charitable proceeds from the event.
Other Northern Californians slated to be in the field include James Hahn, Todd Fisher and Jeff Brehaut, who led last year’s first round of the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black.
Event sponsor, Salinas Valley based Fresh Express is credited with being the creator of the retail packaged salad category and the first company to distribute ready-to-eat salads nationally. Rice, who noted, “I’m all about health, was indeed a health and fitness devotee during his lengthy football career and seems a perfect fit for Fresh Express.
The Fresh Express Classic, April 12-18, 2010, will be televised on the Golf Channel. Numerous activities are also planned during the week with a Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday, April 14th, as well as live music is planned following play on Friday and Saturday. Tuesday afternoon will feature a Nike Celebrity Shootout.
Ticket prices are $10 daily or $20 advance for an all-week grounds pass. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketsforecharity.com. Mr. Rice’s 127 Foundation, was formed to support children’s organizations.
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