Jack Nicklaus will be featured at a Chicago First Tee event in August. (Getty Images)
How’s this for star power: Golf legend Jack Nicklaus will join Luke Donald in hosting the third annual “Taste of the First Tee” at Chicago’s River East Arts Center on Aug. 17, the Tribune has learned.
Broadcaster David Feherty, typically the funniest man on the golf course, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The three-hour event, which begins at 6 p.m., will benefit The First Tee of Greater Chicago and feature a tasting of wines from the Nicklaus and Donald collections, as well as selections chosen from the global portfolio of Terlato Wine Group.
Attendees can bid on live and silent auction items, and sponsors participating at the “Ace” and “Eagle” Levels will have an opportunity to tee it up Aug. 17 with Donald and Mark Wilson, winner of two 2011 PGA Tour events, followed by a private “chalk talk” with Nicklaus.
For more information on the event, visit www.thefirstteegreaterchicago.org or call 773-800-1244.
“Just two years ago, the Taste of the First Tee began as a way to help raise funds and awareness for the work of The First Tee of Greater Chicago,” said Donald, the Northwestern alum and Northfield resident who is ranked third in the world. “With the participation of Mr. Nicklaus this summer, it helps grow the event in ways that we couldn’t have imagined. We’re thrilled to have him join us.”
A National Trustee of The First Tee, Nicklaus was named “Golfer of the Century” or “Golfer of the Millennium” by almost every major golf publication. He was also named Individual Male Athlete of the Century by Sports Illustrated and one of the 10 Greatest Athletes of the Century by ESPN. In November 2005, the “Golden Bear” was honored by President Bush at the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to any U.S. civilian. Among his many accomplishments are 118 professional victories worldwide and a record 18 major championships.
“The work of The First Tee, and teaching young people the life lessons gained from being involved in the game of golf has always been important to me,” Nicklaus said. “I’m honored to join Luke and The First Tee of Greater Chicago at this special event and look forward to helping make it a great success.”
tgreenstein@tribune.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
