Imagine if Peyton Manning decided to ditch his playbook for a day to challenge Tony Pancake, the crème de la crème of golf pros, in an 18-hole duel that’s less about the score and more about the laughs.
This little gem from the “We Love this Game” campaign by the PGA of America, dubbed “18 Fore 18,” shows us just that—it’s not your ordinary golf outing.
With the leaves starting to fall last September, the PGA of America and Omaha Productions jazzed things up by rolling out a fresh logo and some captivating ads, all swirling around during the 2023 Ryder Cup broadcasts.
And if you think that was something, wait till you see what they cooked up for their Orlando PGA Show—a playful romp titled “A Day With A Pro.”
Fast forward to “18 Fore 18,” launched on the PGA’s own YouTube channel and peppered across social media.
Voiced by the legendary sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, it’s more than just a video; it’s a full-blown spectator sport.
Picture this: Peyton Manning trying and hilariously failing to nail a Happy Gilmore swing, then switching gears to chuck a football at an oversized cut-out of his brother Eli’s head. It’s clear they weren’t just playing games; they were making them.
Tony Pancake has been a fixture at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana, a place steeped in golf lore and history, much like Tony himself. Peyton, reflecting on his long-standing bond with Tony during his NFL days, noted, “Tony isn’t just a pro at golf; he’s a pro at making it fun and accessible.
Watching him teach and lead with such enthusiasm, you can’t help but feel the game’s in good hands.”
Tony, ever the gracious sport, didn’t miss a beat in returning the compliment, chuckling, “Tangling with Peyton on the greens was a riot. We poked fun, shared some laughs, and really, it’s his genuine love for golf that shines through and connects with fans everywhere.”
As the leaves turn and the season of awards approaches, with Tony set to be honoured this November, the buzz isn’t just about their antics on the green.
It’s about the warmth and genuine camaraderie they bring to every swing, shot, and jest.
Whether they’re competing or just bantering, Peyton Manning and Tony Pancake show us that the true spirit of the game lies in the joy it brings, on and off the course.
