Posted on: Thursday, February 3, 2005
Stadler makes debut at Maui Skins Game
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By Bill Kwon
Special to The Advertiser
WAILEA, Maui — Last year, Tom Watson was the new kid on the block in the Wendy's Champions Skins Game and came away the winner by picking up 10 skins worth $400,000, third highest in the history of the event.
AP LIBRARY PHOTO • Jan. 30, 2004 This time, despite being the defending champion, Watson isn't the clear-cut favorite as Craig Stadler makes his debut in the event Saturday at the Wailea Resort's Gold Course.
They'll be joined again by Palmer, who finished second last year with $140,000 and five skins, and Nicklaus, who will be making his first appearance of the year. It will be Palmer's 17th senior skins game, the 16th for Nicklaus.
Stadler, a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour, is coming off a huge 2004 season as the Champions Tour money winner ($2.3 million).
He finished tied for ninth in the Sony Open in Hawai'i and tied for 14th in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic last week when he skipped the Turtle Bay Championship to play in his second regular PGA Tour event.
Stadler also tied for seventh in the MasterCard Championship at Hualalai two weeks ago when Watson lost in a playoff to Dana Quigley. Watson tied for third at Turtle Bay last week.
He was the youngest player by 10 years in the field with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino.
Tom Watson won the Champions Skins Game in his first try last year. Watson will be back to defend his title at Wailea, Maui.
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| Champions skins game
WHO: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Craig Stadler and Tom Watson WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Saturday (all 18 holes) WHERE: Wailea Gold Golf Course, Maui (6,821 yards, Par 72) PURSE: $600,00. $20,000 first 6 holes, $30,000 next 6, $40,000 next 5, $100,000 18th. Money carries over if no player wins hole outright PRO-AM: 9 a.m. tomorrow ADMISSION: $10 tomorrow's Pro-Am, $25 Saturday Skins or $25 for both days. Children 12-under free with ticket-holding adult. PARKING: $3 in grass lot off Wailea Ike Drive (free shuttle to course). Opens at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow and 6:30 a.m. Saturday. TV COVERAGE: Delay on ABC, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (first nine), 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday (second nine) INFORMATION: 875-5111 on Maui or |
