Greer, SC (WSPA) – Hundreds of people gathered on the course at Thornblade Club for some good fun on Friday as BMW celebrated its 30th anniversary in the Upstate.
One face you'll often see around the course is PGA Tour player Bill Haas (son of Jay Haas), who grew up in Greenville and may have had a slight advantage as he grew up on the golf course playing at Thornblade.
“I grew up on the sixth hole, a par 3, down the hill,” Haas said, “and I played that hole so many times. I used to go back and forth between the sixth and seventh holes, and when it got dark on the course I'd go out there and play the sixth and seventh holes so many times.”
Of course, everyone said they were playing to have a good time and raise money for local charities, but there was also a competitive spirit.
Former NFL player Brice Butler said he believes his golf skills are actually better than his football skills.
“Now that I don't play anymore, I'd say my golf skills are better than my football skills,” Butler said. “I started in 2016 and have been playing ever since, and golf is an addictive game.”
Seth Curry, Stephen Curry's younger brother and current NBA player, said he wasn't better at golf than he was at shots, but he did go out on the course to win.
“I try to put in the effort because when you go out there you get competitive and it gets frustrating sometimes,” said Curry, who now plays shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets. “I try to win as much as I can, but that's also what makes it fun, is coming out here and doing my best but also letting the pros do it.”
Others have been involved in a wide range of activities, from hosting Thursday night concerts to hitting the golf course. Musician and singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips said he's enjoyed every aspect of it.
“This event is just fantastic,” Phillips said, “Obviously aside from what it's supporting, it's just a really great event. The layout and everything is great and of course the course is beautiful so I'll definitely be coming back to golf.”
Funds are raised for charity; since the tournament began in 2001, more than $15 million has reportedly been donated to various charities.
Games continue through Sunday at the Thornblade, with Saturday being Military Appreciation Day, during which participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
