Jordan, Elway, Gretzky Couples said to play in made-for-TV event

Three retired superstars -- Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and John Elway -- will join Fred Couples in an 18-hole challenge golf match, Golfweek Magazine reported on its web site Wednesday.

The program, tentatively titled, "Legends at Play," will feature the three retirees from the NBA, NHL and NFL, respectively, playing a best-ball format against Couples at Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Houston.

"Its pretty much a done deal," Couples was quoted as saying. ``I think its going to be a really fun thing."

Couples not only thought of the idea, but was responsible for recruiting the three superstars. He also approached Jack Nicklaus Productions about producing the event, which will be televised on Fox.

The contest will be taped around Thanksgiving and will air on Christmas Day. There will be no prize money. Any proceeds go to charity.

Couples, an enthusiastic sports fan, said he has played with Jordan three or four times and with Elway once, but has never teed it up with Gretzky. Asked if the trio filled out his dream foursome, Couples smiled and said, "pretty much. They're guys I'm going to love to play with.

"One of them retired, then another, then another, and it just struck me," Couples said, describing how the idea came to him. "It just struck me as something that made so much sense, seeing how much they love golf. Hopefully, it's going to be a fun deal for everyone."

AP