Team Baseball Lays claim
to the Inaugural “Pro Cup”
at Innisbrook Resort
By: Beverly Wise – Photos by: Pat Eastman
PALM HARBOR, Dec. 14, 2024 – John Smoltz, Captain for Team Baseball… led the way on the final day of THE PRO CUP, capturing all three available points in his singles match and a victory over Team Football.
Tyler Clippard, Kevin Millar, Josh Donaldson and Cody Ross swept their matches as well to add to Baseball’s hefty lead with a final score of 52-24.
THE PRO CUP at the Innisbrook Resort was the first tournament in THE PRO RIVALS OPEN. A new golf league featuring active and former professional athletes will launch with a five-event series in 2025.
“I think the reason why this is so special is the competition and the camaraderie and conversations,” Smoltz said. “We’ve all played in some great events, but this will be remembered in each guy’s mind forever.
“I think this is going to grow beyond our wildest dreams. When you have such a great start and such a great venue, the pressure is on to make it better each year, and that’s going to be tough to do. This was a grand slam, and we think it’s going to be this way for a long time.”
The “Greats of the Game,” from basketball, baseball, football and hockey will compete head-to-head in four sport-specific golf tournaments next year to crown the best player from each league.
The second edition of THE PRO CUP will be played to close the first full season.
For Smoltz and other competitors in THE PRO CUP, next year can’t come soon enough.
For more information about THE PRO RIVALS OPEN.
THE PRO is a competitive golf tournament series that brings together professional athletes from the four major professional sports leagues. The league includes four sport-specific stroke play golf tournaments and a team format championship – THE PRO CUP – hosted annually to determine which league prevails on the course for the ultimate bragging rights. Players will participate in practice rounds, a pro-am and a three-day tournament that replicates the feel – and the pressure – of a professional golf tournament. THE PRO takes place at iconic golf venues across the country, testing the mettle of some of the most talented and accomplished athletes in new ways.
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Greg and Beverly Wise have been traveling the world, playing and writing about their golf experiences as “Golf the Wise Way,” and submitting to numerous publications.
Greg has played golf for more than 60 years and truly believes that “a picture is worth a thousand words…” so, Beverly and Greg both excel in getting the right photos to enhance their stories.
