Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and his foursome waited out the weather and tamed Trump today for victory in the eighth annual New York Jets Charity Golf Tournament.
Team Tannenbaum managed a 10-under-par score in the best-ball format at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, N.J., to edge out the quintet headed by Jets quarterback Greg McElroy, which shot a 9-under in soggy conditions.
The rains that rolled through New Jersey this morning delayed the 10:30 a.m. ET start of the tournament by two hours. But shortly after noon, the rain let up and 25 current Jets players and more than 150 golfers in all scrambled to action and squeezed in 18 holes on the picturesque fairways and greens of Donald Trump's Central Jersey gem.
"Mike T knows how to do it in the office and he knows how to do it on the golf course," said Bob Wischusen, radio voice of the Jets and one of the participants in today's activities, which raised more than $320,000 for the Jets' charitable foundation.
Tannenbaum is always a fierce competitor in this event, which sometimes rewards experienced players — three years ago Danny Woodhead, an accomplished golfer from his formative years in Nebraska, and his group won the title — and sometimes favors those less skilled — two years ago Matt Slauson and his fivesome won despite Slauson playing in only the third round of golf in his life. "But he was very fortunate to play with the team that he had," said C Nick Mangold. Last year the event was tabled due to the NFL lockout.
Other Jets to make noise this afternoon were QB Mark Sanchez, who was 5 feet away from a hole-in-one that would have won him a new Toyota, and newcomer WR Chaz Schilens, who won one of the longest-drive competitions held over the tourney's 18 holes.
Among the competitors were 25 current Jets players. Besides Sanchez, Schilens and Mangold, the list included Josh Baker, Nick Bellore, Josh Brown, T.J. Conley, John Conner, Antonio Cromartie, Jeff Cumberland, Marcus Dixon, Kenrick Ellis, Nick Folk, Santonio Holmes, Wayne Hunter, Eddie Jones, Dustin Keller, Josh Mauga, Aaron Maybin, Greg McElroy, Garrett McIntyre, Joe McKnight, Scotty McKnight, Julian Posey, Tanner Purdum, Darrelle Revis, Hayden Smith and Eric Smith.
Also playing in the event were Greg Buttle, former Jets LB and current commentator on the Green & White, as well as members of the personnel department Terry Bradway and JoJo Wooden.
Head coach Rex Ryan also was in attendance but rather than golfing he worked the room as the golfers waited for the rain to let up in the Trump clubhouse's dining area. New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders also attended the event.
As usual, the Jets Golf Classic was presented by longtime Jets Foundation supporter National Communications Group (NCG).
About New York Jets Foundation
The New York Jets take great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to our community. Programs funded by the New York Jets Foundation touch the lives of countless young men and women in the tristate area by promoting fitness, health and education, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Over the past 12 years, the Jets and their charitable foundation have contributed more than $12 million to a wide range of community-based causes.
From fighting childhood obesity through the Eat Right, Move More initiative to launching a football team at an urban high school to urging students to be active for at least 60 minutes every day, the New York Jets invest in programs that make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to our focus on youth development, the Jets support the efforts of the Alliance for Lupus Research and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL.
Since 2004, the New York Jets Charity Golf Classic since 2004 has raised more than $1.2 million.
