FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Chris Widmaier, National Football League, 212-450-2066
Caroline Thompson, Comic Relief, 818-762-0028
Vince Wladika/Lou D’Ermilio, FOX Sports, 212-556-2472/2573
Steve Brener/Lisa Hobi/Bill Ress, Brener Zwikel & Associates, 818-344-6195

CARLSBAD, CA, August 30, 1999 — Legendary coach Tom Arnold faced his bitter rival Regis Philbin and said "kiss my knickers." This opened the first-ever NFL/Comic Relief Celebrity Golf Shootout, that airs as a two-hour special on FOX on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 3 PM ET.

The event, the first of its kind, raised $350,000 for Comic Relief charitable efforts and featured eight teams comprised of one NFL player and one Comic Relief star. Teams were divided into two groups of four for the derby scramble format, with play taking place over four holes (10, 11, 12 and 17) at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. One team from each group advanced to the 18^th hole for the title.

Normally the best at what they do on television, in movies or on the field, these celebrities and gridiron greats proved that tackling the game of golf is not always what it seems. Prior to the competition, award-winning actor Billy Crystal stated to his coach, Regis Philbin, "this is more nerve racking than any Oscars (show), or anything else." Philbin responded, "worse than the Oscars?" Leaving Crystal with only one response, "not even close."

George Wendt of Cheers fame and Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning made up the "Mutt and Jeff" team of the tournament, with Wendt commenting that his role in the competition would be "pulling guard." Melrose Place’s Jack Wagner teamed with Chargers’ linebacker Junior Seau. Unfortunately, Wagner did not find that Junior’s defensive abilities followed him to the golf course that day, making the comment "Junior stinks."

Team chemistry carried New York Giants’ lineman Michael Strahan and comedian Kathleen Madigan on toward the final. The two became so close during the competition that Strahan lifted Madigan and carried her around the course so she would not tire.

Other notables included Hall of Famer Deacon Jones lamenting that "the golf gods are offensive players" while trying to tackle the course with teammate Ray Romano of Everybody Loves Raymond. Romano even petitioned the NFL during the event to create a "Mall Bowl," so that his family might have some diversion and let him watch the NFL games in peace on Sundays.

Coach Tom Arnold thought King of Queens star Kevin James put forth a valiant effort despite some iffy shots, stating "He’s good. He sweats." As the competition progressed, Billy Crystal became less than hopeful about teammate Jerry Rice, stating "I can’t keep carrying Rice."

Rounding out the star-studded field were former and current NFL greats Marcus Allen and Jason Sehorn, as well as movie and television personalities Aidan Quinn (Practical Magic) and Zachery Ty Bryan (Home Improvement). Cris Collinsworth and Terry Bradshaw handled the play-by-play on the course, with Pat Summerall in the booth.

The competition ultimately came down to a final "sudden death" chip off on the 18^th hole, where the two remaining teams had to chip over a golf club wielding George Wendt, who was bent on NFL-like defense over the hole.

Comic Relief, Inc., a non-profit organization, was created in 1986 by writer-producer Bob Zmuda to raise funds for and awareness of, America’s homeless population. The designated recipient of monies generated from Comic Relief fundraising activities is the National Health Care for the Homeless Program, consisting of 25 projects in 23 major cities across America. Comic Relief, from its first eight televents and related activities, has raised and distributed more than $46 million, which has provided direct services to millions of homeless Americans.

Located 30 miles north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa is a 400-acre luxury resort featuring 479 guestrooms, 36 holes of PGA Championship golf, a 21-court Racquet Club, the award-winning La Costa Spa, five restaurants and two lounges.

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