March 23, 2000
LAS VEGAS - An expanded and increasingly star-studded field will join UNLV's head football coach on the links this spring as part of the second annual John Robinson Celebrity Invitational presented by Del Webb, the school announced Thursday.
The two-day, 36-hole event, which is sponsored by the UNLV Rebel Football Foundation, is scheduled for May 4-5 and will include a chance to play golf with an exciting lineup of national personalities from the worlds of sports, media and entertainment. The field has been doubled this year to 48 groups and all proceeds will benefit UNLV's football program.
Returning to the event are football legends such as John Madden, Marcus Allen and 2000 NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, plus current stars such as New York Jets standout wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson.
New entries scheduled to play this year include Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, NFL Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, Washington Redskins head coach Norv Turner and Los Angeles Lakers executive Jerry West.
"We had a special week last year at the first tournament and it's going to be even better this time," Robinson said. "We're trying to build this thing into being not only one of the best golf tournaments around, but into one of this city's top celebrity happenings."
The schedule of events kicks off with a pairings party the morning of Thursday, May 4, followed by a noon shotgun start in a five-man scramble format. The highlight of day one will be the Celebrity Pigskin Roast at 6 p.m., which will include silent and live auctions. Day two features a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start followed by an awards luncheon at 1 p.m.
Each foursome will be teamed with a different celebrity entry both days and will experience one round at The Anthem Country Club, designed by Keith Foster and Hale Irwin, and The Revere at Anthem, designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash. The centerpiece of the Anthem master-planned community in Henderson, both courses offer stunning views in dramatic desert canyon settings.
Information on entering, as well as sponsorship opportunities, can be obtained by calling UNLV at 895-1533. Deadline for registration is April 17.
