Wayne Gretzky and Friends
22 Jul 2002 - 23 Jul 2002More than 5,000 spectators, crowded the Northern Bear golf course to watch Gretzky, a former Edmonton Oilers superstar, and his pals, Brett Hull and Jarome Iginla, defeat Weir. Gretzky, was more than willing to settle for the tie after 18 holes. "I leaned over to Mike and said: `A tie is good with me, what do you think?"' he said. "I would have been thrilled with a tie and not having to make that trip (back to the 18th tee) two more times."
But on the second playoff hole, Hull, a member of the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings and a decent golfer himself, sunk an eight-foot birdie putt to win it.
Mike shot a solid 2-under 70 on his first trip around the Northern Bear GC., after flying in from Scotland following the British Open.
The three-day event, which included a fundraising dinner, collected $500,000 (all funds CDN) for Ronald McDonald's Children's Charities and officials earmarked $100,000 to go towards renovating the Ronald McDonald's House in Edmonton. The facility provides accommodation to families of children hospitalized with chronic and often fatal illnesses.
Mike has now lost two consecutive Gretzky and Friends charity tournaments, but he was game to play again. "It's a little different atmosphere," he said. "It's fun. I am trying to compete and win obviously, but at the same time we know what it's all about. It's about this $500,000 cheque going to the kids."
