With the NBA Lockout nearing the end of its second full week, what better time for players to step away from the frustrating negotiations to play some golf. That's what Ray Allen and 84 other athletes and celebrities will be doing this weekend when they tee it up at the 22nd Annual American Century Championship, one of the premier celebrity golfing tournaments in the world.
Allen is one of 10 former or active NBA players in the field along with superstars like Michael Jordan, the infamously terrible golfer, Charles Barkley, recent NBA champion Jason Kidd, and just drafted rookie, Jimmer Fredette. Allen is listed as a 40:1 favorite to win the title, tied with Vinny Del Negro and Jordan for the best odds amongst the hoops players competing. Allen looks to bounce back from a disappointing showing at the event last year when he finished 61st.
It's interesting (to me at least) to see which athletes happen to be competent on the golf course. Obviously it's an amazingly tough game to master, and one that requires the utmost patience and practice. I suppose it's not terribly surprising then that Allen is a solid golfer. Known for his legendary adherence to routine, Allen definitely has the temperament for the game. Then again, for someone who hates not feeling like he's in control, I would imagine that he, like the rest of us, mumbles plenty of four letter words other than 'golf' and 'fore' out on the course.
Other athletes with Boston ties scheduled to play are New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (100:1), Olympian Bode Miller (200:1), former Red Sox pitcher Brett Saberhagen (30:1), and former Boston Bruins great Mike Eruzione (200:1).
For a complete list of competing players as well as other event information including broadcasting schedule, be sure to check out the American Century Championship website.