- J.B. Holmes tee shot with Kenny Perry - Proforged (Flickr)
Perry and Holmes were a popular team during last year's Ryder Cup Matches at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky. The "homegrown" twosome helped the American team bring back the Cup after a long drought. When Perry's partner for last year's Shark Shootout, the annual event hosted by Greg Norman, Scott Hoch was sidelined due to injury, Holmes was the natural choice as a replacement this year. Norman, who will be present at the tournament, will not play due to recent shoulder surgery.
Despite several players from last year being out due to injury, Norman was able to put together a superb field of talented players and exciting teams.
Notable Pairings
Graeme McDowell and Boo Weekley - Last week's runner-up to Jim Furyk at the Chevron World Challenge, Graeme McDowell is teamed with the ever-popular Boo Weekley. McDowell, who was ranked 55th in the world prior to the Challenge, received an invitation due to Tiger Woods' withdrawal from the tournament. The top-50 players through the Challenge received an invitation to the upcoming Masters Tournament. McDowell's play and strong finish bumped him to 38th in the world and secured his Masters spot.
Chad Cambell and Tim Clark - For fans looking for a ball-striking exhibition, this is the pairing to watch. Both Campbell and Clark are widely acclaimed for their iron play and precision. Whatever length they give up off the tee, it's more than compensated for by pinpoint iron shots.
George McNeill and Jeff Sluman - Two Seminoles, a Shootout rookie and one a veteran, make this a great team to watch. McNeill has been in two playoffs in the last few weeks, most recently a playoff lost at the Children's Miracle Network event at Walt Disney World.
Shootout Format
The Shark Shootout isn't a stroke play event, as most tournaments. Players will have some variety throughout the weekend. On day one of the three-day event, a modified alternate shot is the format of choice. During round two, on Saturday, players will compete in a better ball format. For the final round, Shootout competitors will take part in a scramble.
History of the Event
The Shark Shootout was origninated by the now legendary Greg Norman as a means to raise awareness and funds for the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. The event is entering it's 21st year. It will be played at the Norman-designed Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida.
Past champions of the event include Norman, Kenny Perry, Fred Couples, David Duval, Brad Faxon, Davis Love, III, and Tom Kite, to name but a few.
Alan L. Hammond - In addition to his Suite 101 Golf coverage, Alan is an editor and writer for SportsMD Media LLC, which publishes GolfersMD.com and ...
