Dennis Haysbert

The celebrity list for the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by Synnex has a mix of old friends and newcomers to head line this year’s Web.com Tournament. The event will be played at Thornblade Club, Green Valley and The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

“We are glad to have so many celebrities coming back to the tournament,” said Darin MacDonald, the executive director of the event. “They come back year after year because they love the tournament and really enjoy their time in the Upstate,” he added.

A group of 29 celebrities have accepted invitations to be a part of the pro-am that starts on Thursday, May 14th at all three courses. The celebrities will play one day at each course with their professional partners. The final round of the tournament will be played at Thornblade Club on Sunday May 17th.

Jeffery Donovan

Among the returning celebrities from the entertainment world are TV stars, John O’Hurley of Seinfeld fame, Jeffery Donovan from Burn Notice, Patrick Warburton, from Terms of Endearment, Anthony Anderson from Blackish, Dennis Haysbert the president from 24, Lucas Black from NCIS-New Orleans and Terry O’Quinn best known for his role in Lost.

Musicians include Hootie & the Blowfish members Dean Felber and Mark Bryan along with Javier Colon and Steve Azar who have become regulars at the event.

The new group of celebrities are led by former Clemson place kicker and Christ Church grad Chandler Cantanzaro of the Arizona Cardinals, Tim Wakefield former big league pitcher and Clay Walker of country music fame.

Kira Kazantsev,
Miss America 2015

Also among the new participants is Miss America Kira Kazantsev. The reigning Miss America is reported to be a very good golfer playing to an 8 handicap.

“The tournament format allows fans to get close to these stars and interact with them on the course. They can get autographs and pictures between holes,” said MacDonald.

In addition to the scheduled golf tournament the celebrities will participate in a free concert at Main Street and Broad Street in Greenville on Thursday, May 14th from 6-10 pm.

With almost a dozen musicians in the field for the golf tournament and a number of celebrities who will join in at the concert the event is expected to be a highlight of the week.

“We are thrilled to bring this type of collaborative celebrity performance to the community. It is a unique show you will not see anywhere else,” said MacDonald.

The courses will have a number of special events for spectators. Thornblade Club will feature “Birdies for Socks” sponsored by Kentwool. The Mike Creery Love for the Game Junior Golf Zone and “Birdies for Beer” on the ninth hole sponsored by Budweiser.

Green Valley Country Club is contributing $100 for every birdie made on the ninth hole by pros or amateurs to “Birdies for the Brave.” During the 15 years the local tournament has used the celebrity format it has raised almost $11 million for local charities.

This year 22 charities will benefit directly from ticket sales. Tickets may be purchased in advance from the participating local charities.

Information about the charities and ticket types and prices are available at http://www.bmwcharitygolf.com.