Sports
Video: Rocco Mediate Hits Opening Drive at Roc's Range
Pine-Richland's Mike Van Sickle on hand for christening of the newly refurbished driving range and practice area.
With a few cigars, a couple of beers and the late afternoon sun slowly dipping behind the hillside, Rocco Mediate christened the newly refurbished driving range and practice area at Sewickley Heights Country Club named in his honor.
The six-time PGA Tour winner joked with other members of the Sewickley Heights Golf Club Thursday before taking that first shot as part of the ceremonial opening of “Roc’s Range.”
Mediate helped donate $60,000 to the to rebuild the driving range and practice area and to help the club’s youth golf program.
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“Rocco with his generosity has enabled us to do this,” said Mike Dowling of the Sewickley Heights Golf Club.
Before the stone marker engraved in Mediate’s honor was officially unveiled, Mediate put on a show, taking on a friendly wager and hitting a few balls on the practice range. The Greensburg native, who finished runner-up to Tiger Woods in the 2008 U.S. Open, also pulled a couple children from the crowd and gave out valuable pointers to members.
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Today, Mediate will participate in the sixth annual Old Elvis Cup, competing with other professional golfers, including PGA Tour winner Matt Bettencourt, Pine-Richland’s own Mike Van Sickle and Tri State PGA Player Kevin Shields.
The 36-hole Pro Am event includes 74 players total.
"I'm super excited to be playing in the Old Elvis Cup at Sewickley Heights tomorrow," Van Sickle wrote in his blog Thursday night. "Mike Dowling, who helped me out a lot these last two years, has invited me to play."
"I went to Sewickley this evening with my dad," the blog continues. "The grand opening of the new and improved practice range occured today. It looks awesome. The teeing ground has just about doubled, and the grass looks pure.
"Rocco put on a little show for some members and hit the ceremonial first drive, which he humorously topped [Don't worry, Roc, it probably won't be the last time that happens on that range]," Van Sickle's blog continues. "Much fun was had by all who attended, as Rocco pulled a couple kids out of the crowd to hit a couple balls as well."