The action begins at En-Joie with DSGO Pro-Am Day 1 | WIVT

ENDICOTT, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – It was a hot Wednesday on the golf course, but it was still a great day at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open.

Golf action began on Wednesday with Day 1 of 2 Pro-Am.

It all started with an 8 a.m. shotgun start and the chance for amateur golfers to play with the legends of the PGA Tour Champions.

Each professional was assigned four players for his round and fan favorites, including John Daly, were also in action.

For the professionals, it is a chance to do some practice on the pitch and play an additional round of games before the first round on Friday.

For everyone else, it’s a chance to learn from a legend of the game and, of course, have some fun.

This also applies to the professionals, who have the opportunity to play a more relaxed round of golf with other people every week at their Pro-Ams.

“I had a great time,” said PGA Tour Champions golfer Ken Tanigawa. “I had a great group. I had three ladies that were wonderful to play with. They all work for Dick’s, so that was nice. Overall, everyone is always fun to play with. They’re there to have fun, and they definitely support the Champions Tour and the Pro-Ams are super important. Yeah, it was a great time.”

An important and entertaining event for the players.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s tournament, one storyline revolves around Eric Axley.

The 50-year-old will make his Champions Tour debut this week and is ready to prepare for the three-round, no-cut tournament.

“I think I’ll be able to fill it out and figure it out pretty quickly,” Axley said. “But I think there will be a few differences. Not having a cut and not having to play a certain way to make the cut, say, when you’re near the cut line. Yeah, there are probably a few differences.”

Axley mentioned that being on the fairways will be important this week.

The Pro-Ams continue on Thursday with another double shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

This all leads to the first round of play of the 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open on Friday.

Padraig Harrington returns to En-Joie and aims for his third DSGO championship title after two wins in a row.