MJCI News & Notes – Day Two, Celeb-Am
The second day of the celebrity-pro-am portion of the 13th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas ended late Friday night with a two-team tie between former MLB All-Star Roger Clemens and country music superstar Jake Owen. The two teams shot a score of -19 under par, 53. However, Clemens’ foursome earned the day-two victory by virtue of a scorecard tiebreaker. NFL All-Pro defensive lineman Dwight Freeney led his team to a third-place finish with a -17 under par, 55.
Notable Moments from the Course:
- This year’s MJCI once again featured a very special moment as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Michael Jordan teamed up to make Wish Kid Lucas a very happy young man. The nine-year-old’s wish was to meet Michael Jordan and not only did he get to meet the NBA legend, he also received a private putting lesson on the practice green at Shadow Creek. Jordan coached him a bit and told him he knew he could sink a shot on his own and they weren’t leaving until he did. A few putts later Lucas reached his goal, Jordan threw his hands in the air in celebration and then gave the young golfer a congratulatory high-five.
- Ron Harper, one of Michael Jordan’s former Chicago Bulls teammates, had the announcer introduce him as “James Bond 004” before teeing off at the first hole. After later connecting with one of the longest drives of the day on the 12th hole, Harper yelled, “Oh yeah baby!”
- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky stopped by the ARIA Spa & Salon Refresher Tent for a quick facial oxygen treatment while he waited to tee off at the 13th.
- After a player in his group shot a ball near some spectators, Brian Baumgartner, star of “The Office” told the ladies closest they could pick it up. “You don’t want it?” they asked. “If we need that ball we’re in big trouble,” he quipped. The crowd roared with laughter. He later hit the ball out of the sand trap at the 18th hole so hard that it almost sailed into the grand stand. The ball hit the rail and rolled onto the green. He got a sarcastic standing O before walking up to the crowd to apologize.
- Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson showed up at the Wheels Up Lounge at hole 13. Alan Thicke used five mulligans before he made it on the green and the host asked if Russell Wilson had any tips for Alan. He replied, “hit it straight!”
- Country singer Jake Owen traded in his cowboy boots for some imaginary tap shoes at the fourth green where he danced a jig. Check out the video here.
- Actress and singer Christina Milian took a break to get a massage at the ARIA refresher tent before heading over to the Wheels Up Lounge. Following her round, she signed autographs for fans, including one who may be her youngest. A young toddler handed Christina the marker to sign an autograph. When Christina was interviewed by Golf Magazine she said her ideal golf foursome would be Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Jake Owen.
- Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi admitted on the first hole that she has probably only played golf about four times in her life. After a less than ideal first shot, the crowd teased but she shook it off and smiled.
- Soccer star Brandi Chastain got some love from a fellow celebrity golfer. After making a long putt for par on number one, Brian Baumgartner jumped out of his cart and applauded loudly from the fairway. Brandi Chastain took the time to sign every autograph requested of her around the course and even recorded a message for a special fan. A gentleman on the sidelines told Chastain his young daughter idolized her and had chosen her number for her own soccer team jersey. Chastain recorded a personalized video for the girl encouraging her to continue playing and enjoy practicing with her dad