The Scoop: Behind the scenes at star-studded charity golf tourney
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- June
- 19

If you want the formal account of yesterday’s Autism Speaks celebrity-laden tournament at Mamaroneck’s Winged Foot Golf Club, check out this story in today’s Journal News.
In it, you’ll find quotes by former NBC Chairman Bob Wright, who cofounded the charity; “Dateline NBC” co-anchor and Dobbs Ferry homeowner Stone Phillips; “Fox5 News at 10″ meterorologist and New Rochelle resident Nick Gregory; National Football League Hall-of-Famer Harry Carson; fellow former New York Giant and one-time star of “The Bachelor” Jesse Palmer; and “Late Show with David Letterman” announcer Alan Kalter.
Now for some behind-the-scenes gossip that didn’t appear in print due to the constraints of space, time and relevance:
• Some of the other celebrities to appear at the event, in alphabetical order: actor Gregg Bello; CBS sportscaster Don Criqui; Kansas drummer Phil Ehart; CourtTV commentator Jack Ford; “Squawk Box” cohost Joe Kernen; actor Richard Kind; former NFL cornerback Jeremy Lincoln; “Today in New York” sports anchor Otis Livingston; music producer Brendan O’Brien; and musician Tyrone Vaughan, who is the nephew of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan.
• Among those scheduled to appear at the event, but didn’t show, were season-five â€Ĺ“American Idolâ€? champ Taylor Hicks, â€Ĺ“Todayâ€? show cohost Matt Lauer and comedian George Lopez.
• True to his persona on “The Bachelor,” Palmer charmed members of the public and media, enthusiastically posing for photos and answering questions.
• Carson said he was happy to help out the charity, despite repeatedly stating that his golf game “sucks.” Asked what his score was minutes after completing the 18-hole course, Carson said, “I have no idea.”
• Celebrity golf handicaps (or at least those they want us to believe): Kalter, 14; Palmer, 15; Lincoln, 16; Wright, 18; Gregory, 26.
• Livingston shared a few laughs and posed for photos with Palmer and Carson.
• Among the items up for bid in a silent auction was a framed collage of Derek Jeter, featuring photos and a signed line-up card. Although hours would pass before the end of the auction, the opening bid request of $200 was matched by “A. Kalter.” Perhaps it was because of Jeter’s April 26 appearance on “Late Show,” for which the shortstop read a Top 10 list chronicling “little-known facts” about him.
• Also donated were two autographed photos of former Boston College and NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, who founded another autism charity named after his autistic son, Doug Jr.
• Questions that Suburbarazzi would have asked Hicks: Which “Idol” judge would make the best golfer? What’s your take on Sanjaya Malakar? Does Soul Patrol become Hole Patrol on the golf course? What was it like working with Mount Kisco resident Rob Thomas?
• Questions that Suburbarazzi would have asked Lauer: Since you spent part of your childhood in Chappaqua, Ardsley and Hastings and share the “Today” show cohosting duties with Irvington resident Meredith Vieira, is living in Westchester County at some point in your life a prerequisite for the job? If Tom Cruise were the only person available to complete your golfing foursome, would you allow him to join you or just call it a day?
• Question that Suburbarazzi would have asked Lopez: You’ve accused fellow comedian Carlos Mencia of stealing your jokes. If he joined you in your golfing foursome, would he steal your swing?








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