Former Atlanta Braves great, John Smoltz is entering into new professional career path
By Jeff Schafer
Former Braves great and MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz is set to begin new professional career
John Smoltz pitched in the MLB for 22 years, 20 of which he pitched for the Atlanta Braves, and finished with a record of 213-155 with 154 saves. He’s the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves. Smoltzie was an eight-time All-Star, the NL Cy Young Award in 1996, the 1992 NL NLCS MVP, and a 2015 MLB Hall of Famer.
Following his professional baseball career, he’s held many jobs within the MLB world. Mostly with MLB Network and a play-by-play analysts for many different broadcasts.
In his free time, it’s been well known that Smoltz enjoys playing the game of golf. Sure, who doesn’t, right? But Smoltzie is actually really good. I read an article that Tiger Woods, who is a friend of Smoltz and they play golf together, said that he’s the best golfer outside of the PGA Tour that he has observed. Pretty much comment from the Tiger himself.
Smoltz played golf regularly while he was in the major leagues. Mostly with buddies and teammates like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. But now, he’s taking it a level past a free time hobby.
The 51-year-old has officially qualified for the U.S. Senior Open.
Smoltz will compete in the U.S. Senior Open starting on June 28th and runs through July 1st at the Broadmoor-East Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He qualified for this event after defeating two other golfers in a playoff at the Planterra Ridge Golf Club in Peachtree City, Georgia. Three spots were open to make the U.S. Senior Open and Smoltz won the last position during those playoffs. The two other spots were filled by Jack Larkin and Sonny Skinner which they earned during the tournaments regulation.
Smoltz shot a 69 before entering the three playoff holes. On the third hole, he actually shot a double bogey. But it was enough to move on.
What an incredible day of golf at Planterra Ridge GC! Jack Larkin and Sonny Skinner tied for medalist honors and John Smoltz secured the third qualifying spot in a playoff! Good luck in the #USSeniorOpen!
— Georgia State Golf Association (@GSGA) June 1, 2018
Final Leaderboard ➡️ https://t.co/P9kByrihIy pic.twitter.com/rs8sEnEUvs
This is pretty cool! Now, I’ll actually pay attention the the Senior tournament in a few weeks! Go Smoltzie!!
Next: Best Pitchers in May? MLB missed one.
One other side note to this, former NFL quarterback John Elway tried to qualify for this event, but didn’t make the cut.