Get ready for a swing of a different kind! Major League Baseball is shaking things up by bringing its star players to the golf course for the brand-new Capital One MLB Open. But here's where it gets exciting—this isn't your average charity scramble. It's a full-blown competitive tournament where legends and current stars will tee it up alongside amateurs in a setting that’s as exclusive as it is scenic. And this is the part most people miss—the unique scoring system that could turn every hole into a game-changer. Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking event.
Scheduled to be the highlight of MLB Awards Week from November 12th to 14th, the Capital One MLB Open will take place at the stunning Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, a venue owned by MGM Resorts International. This isn't just any course—it’s a luxurious, members-only paradise that’s rarely open to the public. Imagine watching your favorite MLB stars navigate its challenging fairways and greens! A total of sixty current and former Major Leaguers, representing all thirty clubs, are set to participate. Some of the big names already confirmed include Jimmy Rollins, Tarik Skubal, John Smoltz, Justin Turner, and David Wright. And for those who love insider perspectives, Mookie Betts will be on the scene, offering commentary as a correspondent right from the links.
For the fans who can’t make it to Vegas, don’t worry—the action will be broadcasted. The tournament coverage kicks off on Tuesday, November 18th, on TNT, with additional highlights and coverage airing on MLB Network on Thursday, November 20th. While the full list of participants will be announced later, it’s worth noting that many of these players will also be in attendance at the MLB Awards ceremony at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Thursday, November 13th.
"For years, we’ve dreamed of creating this one-of-a-kind offseason golf experience for players and fans alike," says Noah Garden, MLB Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media. "But it took the backing of key partners like Capital One, MGM Resorts, and TNT Sports to make it a reality. Now, with this unique and competitive event in such an exceptional location, we can showcase our players in a new light and let their personalities truly shine in a setting fans haven’t seen before." This sentiment captures the essence of what makes this tournament special—it’s not just about the game; it’s about the experience and the connection between the players and fans.
The three-day event kicks off with a pro-am, where current and former MLB stars will team up with amateur players for an unforgettable experience. This is your chance to see how these athletes handle the pressure of the golf course alongside everyday golfers. The televised portion of the event spans two days and features a competitive field where these players will go head-to-head in a team gross best-ball format. But here’s where things get interesting: the tournament uses a modified Stableford point-based scoring system. This means every individual plays their own ball, and the team uses the best ball to earn points for their score on each hole. Essentially, every hole is a chance to climb the leaderboard, making the competition incredibly dynamic and engaging. The team with the most points at the end wins the tournament, and the top three teams will receive monetary donations to the charities of their choice. Talk about a win-win situation!
"We’re thrilled to partner with Major League Baseball on the inaugural Capital One MLB Open, an exciting extension of our MLB Sponsorship," says Byron Daub, Vice President of Brand Sponsorships at Capital One. "Our cardholders will have exclusive access and VIP packages that include the rare opportunity to play Shadow Creek alongside current MLB players and legends as part of the Pro-Am." This partnership not only brings together two major leagues but also offers fans an unparalleled experience.
Beyond the TNT recap broadcast, fans can catch more coverage of the tournament on Bleacher Report, MLB Network, and @MLB. The television production is being handled by PGA Tour Productions, with support from MLB Network. Mike Milthorpe of Milthorpe Sports is the Tournament Director, and the event itself is a Mike Flaskey Entertainment Production.
"We’ve worked closely with MLB over the past several years to refine and bring to life our vision for this exciting tournament," says Corrine Flaskey, CEO of Mike Flaskey Entertainment. "It’s a fantastic example of how golf can be fun, competitive, and also raise significant funds for charity." This event truly embodies the spirit of both sports and philanthropy.
The Capital One MLB Open is just one part of the larger MLB Awards Week. The annual MLB Awards, presented by MGM Rewards, will air live on MLB Network from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Thursday, November 13th. This year, Dodgers perennial All-Star Mookie Betts takes the stage in front of a live audience to co-host the awards show with comedian and baseball enthusiast Roy Wood Jr. The evening will be packed with announcements, including the winners of the Hank Aaron Award, Comeback Players of the Year, Mariano Rivera & Trevor Hoffman Relievers of the Year, Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter of the Year, selections for the All-MLB First and Second Teams, and the Capital One Premier Play of the Year award. Fans can also expect entertaining performances and surprise moments that are unique to MLB. Tickets to this exclusive awards show can be purchased at MLB.com or Ticketmaster.com, with additional ticket information available here (http://www.mlb.com/events/mlb-awards).
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Could this golf tournament become as iconic as the major golf championships? Or is it just a novelty event? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss!
