It was certainly sad news to hear that legendary country singer Glen Campbell announced that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. But the announcement made me think about the 75-year-old Campbell’s presence in the game of golf and more specifically golf in Southern California.
Here’s the answer to a bit of a trivia question: Other than Bob Hope, which celebrity has participated in more Bob Hope Classic’s than any other celebrity? To be honest, when I first thought of that question, I assumed it was the singer Andy Williams. But a little research showed that Campbell played in the tournament 29 times, more than any other celebrity guest of the event. The first time he played was in 1970, the last was really just a few years ago, 2006. That statistic alone puts Campbell in the non-existent Hall of Fame for the Hope and for desert golf in general.
And remember that Campbell joined Hope in an important way, hosting his own PGA Tour event. That event was the Los Angeles Open, and Campbell’s name appeared on the title of that tournament from 1971 to 1983. Campbell was one of the hottest performances in the country during that time, and while he was never as important to that tournament as Hope, Bing Crosby or even Andy Williams were to their tournaments (Williams in San Diego), Campbell was a fixture on the tour for more than a decade. He was known at the time for wearing cowboy boots with golf spikes attached to the soles.
A few years ago a friend of mine and I went to the Grove in Anaheim to see Campbell, then 72. He put on a great performance, dazzling with his ability to play the guitar, sounding as strong as ever with his voice on his endless string of hits and even trying out some cover songs of modern bands like Foo Fighters, Green Day, Travis and U2. I thought Campbell did well with the modern songs, though I didn’t get the feeling it was what his hard-core fans in the audience were looking for.
Still, it was a good show, and I can say I saw Glen Campbell in concert and on the golf course. And we can only hope for the best for the Wichita Lineman as he faces a tough battle.
And remember that Campbell joined Hope in an important way, hosting his own PGA Tour event. That event was the Los Angeles Open, and Campbell’s name appeared on the title of that tournament from 1971 to 1983. Campbell was one of the hottest performances in the country during that time, and while he was never as important to that tournament as Hope, Bing Crosby or even Andy Williams were to their tournaments (Williams in San Diego), Campbell was a fixture on the tour for more than a decade. He was known at the time for wearing cowboy boots with golf spikes attached to the soles.
A few years ago a friend of mine and I went to the Grove in Anaheim to see Campbell, then 72. He put on a great performance, dazzling with his ability to play the guitar, sounding as strong as ever with his voice on his endless string of hits and even trying out some cover songs of modern bands like Foo Fighters, Green Day, Travis and U2. I thought Campbell did well with the modern songs, though I didn’t get the feeling it was what his hard-core fans in the audience were looking for.
Still, it was a good show, and I can say I saw Glen Campbell in concert and on the golf course. And we can only hope for the best for the Wichita Lineman as he faces a tough battle.
