CARLSBAD–NFL Hall of Fame Running Back Marshall Faulk is tapped as the new host for the 2013 Celebrity Championship, slated this week in Carlsbad.
More than 50 of the best celebrity golfers will compete for projected purse of $100,000 and the coveted Celebrity Championship Trophy. Tournament alumni will include Ray Romano, Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, Emmitt Smith, Carson Palmer, Goose Gossage, Joe Morgan, John Elway, Mario Lemieux, Doug Flutie, Bruce Jenner, Jim Harbaugh, Eric Dickerson, Mike Eruzione and Rollie Fingers.
The event, in its 15th year, will be held May 16 to 19 at the La Costa Resort and Spa.
A significant portion of the proceeds from the event (formerly known as the Drew Brees Celebrity Championship and Celebrity Classic hosted by Stan Humphries), will benefit the Junior Seau Foundation and the Marshall Faulk Foundation.
“I’ve golfed in the Celebrity Championship for several years, and now I’m excited and honored to be hosting this great event” said Marshall Faulk. “It’s a privilege for me because of my connection to San Diego, and I feel it’s an important opportunity for me to help to continue Junior Seau’s legacy of giving back to our youth in need.”
Since its inception the tournament has raised over $1.2 million for local charities including: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Armed Services YMCA, Friends of Scott Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Pacific South Coast Chapter.
Past tournament winners include five-time (and defending) champion Rick Rhoden, Tony Romo, Jack Wagner, Jack Marin, Trent Dilfer, Grant Fuhr, Andy Van Slyke, Brian Kinchen, Mickey Tettleton and Dan Quinn. Faulk’s best finish was fourth in 2011 at even par (142).
“To the celebrities, this is one of the best tournaments in the country. The top celebrity golfers play here because they love the PGA style format. It’s a real tournament – a true test of golf – and these guys are competitors” said Faulk. “Having the event at a first-class resort like La Costa is icing on the cake! If you’ve never been to this event before, or if you have, I invite you all to come out, have some fun, watch us crown the next Celebrity Champion and, at the same time, help us continue the good work of the Junior Seau Foundation.”
The Celebrity Championship, hosted by Marshall Faulk, is family friendly and great for entertaining and business to business networking. Attendees will get up close with celebrities and fans can participate in several free events throughout the week including: autographs, kids’ celebrity golf clinic and the 8th annual Military Appreciation Day.
