The first People vs. the Pros tournament took place in 2003 at the Lake Las Vegas Resort, and has become one of the most popular events in golf, especially from an amateur's point of view. Also since referred to as America's Ultimate Pro-Am Championship, the inaugural event had John Daly defeating his amateur opponent, but golf legend Lee Trevino being beaten by his amateur opponent, therefore validating the concept.
The unique People vs. The Pros Championship is the only official PGA Tour event that allows amateur golfers to compete against real PGA legends in match play, with the benefit of their handicap, while being cheered by the gallery and being broadcast on national television.
The second People vs. the Pros took place in 2004 at the historic Pinehurst Resort, with John Daly defending his 2003 title, while the engaging Gary McCord was the Champions Tour player. The Grand Final matches were played on legendary Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 2005 U.S. Open, and shown twice in prime time on ESPN; both Daly and McCord lost their matches.
The 2005 People vs. The Pros Championship was held at Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas, and Ben Crenshaw and Justin Leonard represented the PGA pros. Played on the Fazio Foothill course and also telecast on ESPN, the Grand Prize Matches resulted in both Leonard and Crenshaw winning close and exciting matches.
In the first three People vs. The Pros events, the first six final matches have seen three won by amateurs and three by the professionals; proof and justification that an amateur with a fair handicap can compete with a Tour professional, and adding to the intrigue of the entire concept.
Being played once again at the historic Pinehurst Resort, the 2006 People vs. The Pros showcased 2-time U.S. Open Champion and #3 world-ranked Retief Goosen and the ever popular and colorful Champions Tour player & CBS announcer, Gary McCord. Retief beat his amateur opponent 3-2, and Gary McCord, who said he couldn't lose again, was just barely able to defeat his amateur opponent on the very last hole, and with all the drama again being telecast in prime time by ESPN.
