Irish legends put their skills to work for charity

BRIDGMAN, Mich. -- The Irish Legends Golf Classic teed off for charity on Monday morning.

Legends like Lou Holtz, Ara Parseghian and Head Coach Brian Kelly drew more than 200 participants for a round of golf, an auction and dinner.

All three coaches have their own foundation and all of the proceeds from Monday’s events went directly to those charities.

But for the raising the money took a bit of effort for the famous Fighting Irish.

The Irish legends, both young and old, put their skills to the test for their 6th annual golf classic.

“Just so many people come back,” gushed former National Championship coach Lou Holtz. “It’s really gratifying for such a great cause. “

Holtz hit the course today with four lucky “domers” to raise money for The Lou Holtz Charitable Foundation.  

“Well, they have auctioned me off,” explained Holtz. “So, I really don’t have a choice and I guarantee you they did not pay the money for my talents on the golf course.”

While Holtz was showing off his golf game,  his longtime friend and fellow coaching legend, Ara Parseghian put his autograph skills to the test.

“So I’ve only got one knee that operates and it doesn’t operate properly,” explained Parseghian. “But hey, I’m here and as my mother used to say, ‘I’ve still got my noodle. And as long as you’ve got your noodle, and you know what you’re doing, we’re going try to keep you alive.”

And after signing more than 300 footballs and jerseys, Parseghian got to visit with some old friends.

“It’s great to see all the old timers, I happen to be a part of them. And they come back on a regular basis and it’s interesting that a year later you come back and the same people are supporting these events.”

But there was a new face among the Irish legends. Kyle Rudolph, the former Irish tight end and current Minnesota Viking, was posted up on hole No. 8 greeting the 40 groups of golfers playing the course.

“I get to hit one for every group and if I somehow hit a good one then they get to use it,” said Rudolph.  

But, hitting a “good one” isn’t so simple. Just to clear the water is 240 yards. But so far, Rudolph hasn’t missed.

“I haven’t hit it in the water yet and I want to try and go 40 for 40.”

While the legends put their skills up for charity, their biggest goal is, “We just want them to have a good time,” said Holtz.

 “I think it’s important to have a good time. If they have a good time they’ll want to come back. And to be here with Ara and Brian is always very gratifying. I mean you’re part of the Notre Dame family.”