Get ready for a swing and a hit—Major League Baseball is stepping up to the tee box with a game-changer! Imagine your favorite baseball stars trading their gloves for golf clubs in a high-stakes tournament. Yes, you heard that right! MLB has just unveiled the Capital One MLB Open, a groundbreaking golf event that’s set to redefine offseason excitement. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just any golf tournament—it’s a star-studded showdown featuring 60 current and former MLB players from all 30 Clubs, competing on the lush greens of Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the sport; it’s a unique blend of competition, camaraderie, and charity, all rolled into one unforgettable event.
Hosted at the exclusive Shadow Creek course, owned by MGM Resorts International, the Capital One MLB Open will be the crown jewel of MLB Awards Week from November 12-14. Think of it as baseball’s version of a golf major, but with a twist. Legends like Jimmy Rollins, John Smoltz, and David Wright will join current stars such as Tarik Skubal and Justin Turner in a battle for bragging rights—and charitable donations. Mookie Betts, meanwhile, will swap his bat for a microphone, providing colorful commentary as a correspondent on the course. The action airs on TNT on November 18, with highlights on MLB Network on November 20. But here’s the controversial part: Can a golf tournament truly capture the competitive spirit of baseball? We’ll let you decide as you watch these athletes swing for the fences—or at least the fairway.
Noah Garden, MLB Deputy Commissioner of Business & Media, shared the vision behind this event: ‘We’ve always dreamed of creating an offseason experience that brings players and fans together in a whole new way. With partners like Capital One, MGM Resorts, and TNT Sports, we’ve turned that dream into reality. This tournament isn’t just about golf; it’s about showcasing our players’ personalities in a setting fans have never seen before.’ And he’s right—this isn’t your typical golf outing. The three-day event kicks off with a pro-am, where MLB stars team up with amateur players for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then comes the main event: a two-day tournament featuring a modified Stableford scoring system that turns every hole into a leaderboard-climbing opportunity. Teams will compete in a best-ball format, with the top three earning donations for their chosen charities.
Byron Daub, Vice President of Brand Sponsorships at Capital One, couldn’t contain his excitement: ‘This is more than just a sponsorship for us. Our cardholders will get VIP access, including the chance to play Shadow Creek alongside MLB legends during the Pro-Am. It’s a dream come true for any baseball or golf fan.’ And let’s not forget the production value—PGA Tour Productions will lead the television coverage, ensuring every swing, putt, and celebration is captured in stunning detail. Bleacher Report, MLB Network, and @MLB will also provide extensive coverage, so you won’t miss a moment.
But here’s the real question: Is this tournament just a fun diversion, or does it have the potential to become a staple of the MLB offseason? Corrine Flaskey, CEO of Mike Flaskey Entertainment, believes it’s the latter: ‘We’ve worked tirelessly with MLB to make this tournament a reality. It’s a perfect example of how golf can be both fun and competitive while raising significant funds for charity.’ And with the event taking place during MLB Awards Week, it’s a natural fit. The annual MLB Awards, presented by MGM Rewards, will air live on MLB Network from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on November 13, co-hosted by Mookie Betts and comedian Roy Wood Jr. Expect announcements for awards like the Hank Aaron Award, Comeback Player of the Year, and the Capital One Premier Play of the Year, plus surprise performances and moments that only MLB can deliver.
So, what do you think? Is the Capital One MLB Open a home run, or just a fun experiment? Will it become a beloved tradition, or fade into the offseason background? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this bold new venture!
