Scott Keepfer, The Greenville News
Published 5:10 p.m. ET May 17, 2018 | Updated 5:42 p.m. ET May 17, 2018
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Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.(Photo: Michael Ainsworth, AP)
The BMW Charity Pro-Am offers fans an opportunity for an up-close and personal look at their favorite celebrities in a rather informal setting, away from the glare of the bright lights and television cameras… and into the fray of cellphone selfies and autograph hounds.
But hey, if the celebrities who are in Greenville for this week’s popular Web.com Tour event wanted to avoid interaction with fans, they probably wouldn’t have signed up in the first place, right?
More: Actor Don Cheadle added to celebrity list for BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament
With very few exceptions, the celebrities who have shown up for this tournament in the past have proven to be very approachable and fan-friendly, at least to a point.
To that end, here are some tips and suggestions on catching a star without being a nuisance in the process.
Identify your target
One can typically identify their desired quarry by confirming the foursome of which he or she is a part. The professional players’ caddies will have the pro’s last name on their backs, so that’s often the best way of figuring out whether you’re in the hunt or not.
Be prepared
The official Boy Scout motto should be your guiding principle here. Have your pen handy as well as your camera or phone. You don’t want to be digging through your pockets looking for that long-lost Sharpie while Aaron Rodgers is tapping his fingers on his golf club.
Be courteous
Refrain from making noise during a backswing or putt, unless you have a secret desire for a celebrity to go Tiger Woods on you. It’s important not to slow down or interrupt play. The celebrities are there primarily for fun, but the pros they’re paired with are playing for keeps.
Be realistic
Realize that you may not be able to get an autograph for every single celebrity. Don’t be offended if a celebrity turns down a request. If they are able to accommodate you, they likely will, but some have other obligations. And by the time they’ve finished their round, they’re probably hungry, so it’s good practice to keep the interactions as brief as possible.
Savor the special moments
The vast majority of celebrities play to the crowd; a few others, not so much. Enjoy yourself and if you’re able to have a celebrity interaction, be gracious and savor it while it lasts.
Catch ’em in concert or at Fluor Field
The May 17 celebrity softball game, with one team captained by Larry the Cable Guy and the other co-captained by Tim Wakefield and John O’Hurley, will be free with admission to that evening’s Greenville Drive game.
The May 18 concert featuring Phil Vassar will be a ticketed event at the Bon Secours Wellness Center.
Follow them on Twitter
Many of the celebrities at the Pro-Am have Twitter accounts, so at least some are bound to Tweet about what they’re doing while in Greenville. Follow their Tweets using our Twitter list below.
More: Actor Ron Perlman, ‘Duck Dynasty’ star Willie Robertson coming to BMW Charity Pro-Am
Updated List of Celebrities
Jose Alvarez (former MLB player,) Anthony Anderson (actor, “black-ish”), Brian Baumgartner (actor, “The Office), Josh Beckett (former MLB player), Andy Buckley (actor, “The Office”), Larry the Cable Guy (comedian), Don Cheadle (actor, “Iron Man,” “Hotel Rwanda”), Michael Collins (ESPN golf analyst), Jay DeMarcus (musician, Rascal Flatts), Bill Engvall (comedian), Brian Grubb (professional wakeboarder), Matt Hamilton (Olympic gold medalist, curling), C. Thomas Howell (actor, “The Outsiders”).
Oliver Hudson (actor, “Splitting Up Together”), Dan Jansen (Olympic gold medalist, speed skating), Karen Palacios Jansen (LPGA master teaching professional), Chris Lane (country musician), Paige Mackenzie (co-host of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive), Ed Marinaro (former NFL player, actor), John O’Hurley (actor, “Seinfeld”), Ron Perlman (actor, “Hellboy,” “Ironman”), Patrick Peterson (former NFL player), Kevin Rahm (actor, “Mad Men,” “Lethal Weapon”), Alfonso Ribeiro (actor, “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” host, “America’s Funniest Home Videos”), Jim Rice (former MBL player), Rob Riggle (actor, “The Daily Show”).
Willie Robertson (reality TV star, “Duck Dynasty”), Aaron Rodgers (NFL quarterback, Green Bay Packers), Joe Don Rooney (musician, Rascal Flatts), Shep Rose (reality TV star, “Southern Charm”), Sterling Sharpe (former NFL player), John Shuster (Olympic gold medalist, curling), Ozzie Smith (former MLB player), Paula Trickey (actress, “Pacific Blue”), Tim Wakefield (former MLB player).
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