BELMONT, Mass. — Former members of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins came together Tuesday after the first Senior Players Championship practice round for the City Of Champions Challenge, a charitable “closest to the pin” pitch-off.
Each team had two representatives and were accompanied by a Champions Tour pro on the Belmont Country Club course. The miniature tournament consisted of three rounds, and the team with the lowest combined distance from the pin earned the victory.
Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, a NESN analyst, and WEEI radio host Kirk Minihane won all three rounds in convincing fashion and received $10,000 for the Red Sox Foundation. The second-place team of former shooting guard Dana Barros and point guard Mal Graham took home $5,000 for the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and even though Bob Beers and Bob Sweeney finished last, they also were given $5,000 for the Boston Bruins Foundation.
“We’re very happy to walk away with the $5,000,” Sweeney said after his round. “The Bruins Foundation supports many children’s charities, and helps with health and education in the local communities. This money will definitely help with that cause.”
Even though Sweeney was happy with the money, he wasn’t too ecstatic about his performance on the course.
“I wasn’t good today, just didn’t have it,” Sweeney chuckled about his play.
Beers appeared to feel the same way about his partner’s chipping game, saying with a smile: “He (Sweeney) didn’t have his ‘A’ game today.”
Through the playful laughter, Beers moved away from golf to share his prediction for the Stanley Cup Final, which the Tampa Bay Lightning lead two games to one.
“I’ve picked the Blackhawks to win the series,” Beers said. “So that means Tampa Bay will definitely win the Cup.”
The Seniors Players Championship begins Thursday at Belmont Country Club.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
