Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational Benefis the Epilepsy Foundation

Hall-of-Famers, Music Artists, Entertainers and Athletes Headline Field of 24 Competing in Two-Day Celebrity-Am Tournament at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Las Vegas

(LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Award-winning actor John O’Hurley and former Major League Baseball pitcher and 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett jointly announced today the final field of 24 who will be competing in The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors, a two-day celebrity-am tournament benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation, taking place Oct. 24-25 at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Lake Las Vegas, Nev.

The field of 24, who will be grouped with amateur foursomes, spans the world of sports and entertainment, including hall-of-famers, music artists, television personalities, entertainers and athletes.

“Hosting The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors is an important event to educate others on Epilepsy and raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation,” said O’Hurley. “The field is tremendous for this year’s event, and we are so appreciative of the support from our friends in the industry who are joining us to support a cause that is near-and-dear to both Josh and me.”

“As a parent of a child with Epilepsy, it is extremely important that we have more education, awareness and medicine in treating this disorder, and The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors is one small but significant ‘leap’ in this direction,” said Beckett. “John and I are humbled by the support we have received, and we can’t wait to tee-it-up in Las Vegas.”

“Having John and Josh co-host The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational and using their respective platforms to help drive awareness on Epilepsy and raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation is the driving force for this great tournament,” said Steve Sellery, executive director of The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational. “We are honored to be hosting this great tournament as we continue on our mission to find a cure for Epilepsy.”

The 2021 Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors field:

Marcus Allen: Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Wide Receiver

Jose Alvarez: Former Atlanta Braves pitcher

Steve Azar: Country music artist

Josh Beckett: Co-host; 2003 World Series MVP

Peter Billingsly: Actor, producer and director

Michael Collins: Senior golf analyst, ESPN

Averee Dovsek: Television personality; Golfweek/USA Today Journalist

Bill Engvall: Award-winning comedian and actor

Jackie Flynn: Actor and comedian

Eric Gagne: Former MLB pitcher; 2003 Cy Young Award winner

Willie Gault: Former NFL wide receiver & Super Bowl Champion

Chris Harrison: Television host and personality

Rick Harrison: Former co-host of Pawn Stars

Peter Jacobsen: NBC Sports golf analyst; PGA TOUR winner

Jim McMahon: Two-time Super Bowl champion

Josh Mirenda: Country music artist

John O’Hurley: Co-host; Award-winning Actor

Karen Palacios-Jansen: LPGA Master Teaching Professional

Doug Pederson: Longtime NFL coach & Two-Time Super Bowl Champion

Shep Rose: Reality television personality, cast member on Southern Charm

Mark Rypien: Two-time Super Bowl Champion quarterback

Byron Scott: Former NBA head coach; three-time NBA Champion

Sterling Sharpe: Former NFL Wide Receiver & NFL Network Analyst

Ozzie Smith: Major League Baseball Hall-of-Fame Shortstop 

Born out of a vision shared by O’Hurley and Beckett to help the fight to end Epilepsy “Leap” forward, The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors helps to raise funds and awareness in support of the Epilepsy Foundation. The Leap has raised nearly $850,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation in the tournament’s first two years.

O’Hurley, best known for his role as J. Peterman on the sit-com Seinfeld, has been an advocate for Epilepsy awareness for more than 25 years. His older sister, Carol, was diagnosed with Epilepsy as a teenager and tragically passed away at 17 years-of-age in 1970 due to SUDEP (sudden, unexpected death in epilepsy) after a nighttime seizure.

Beckett, a two-time World Series championship and three-time MLB All-Star who played for the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, first spoke with O’Hurley about their shared experiences during The Leap’s inaugural year, when he was a celebrity participant. Beckett’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy three years ago.

The 2021 Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors will be a team match format with O’Hurley and Beckett serving as captains. The field will include a total of 24 groups playing in the tournament, each comprised of five players – four amateurs and one celebrity. O’Hurley and Beckett will each draw the 12 groups that will make up their teams during the pairings party on Oct. 24, with the tournament taking place on Oct. 25. The tournament will follow a Captain’s Choice format, with the group selecting the best drive on each hole and playing their own ball until holed. 

For more information on The Leap Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Rubicon Advisors, visit www.leapcelebrityinvitational.com.

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