With the Ohio State band playing in the gallery, Eli Manning finished his round of the pro-am with a putt for par on No. 18 and a fist pump to the crowd that gathered largely for a glimpse of the former NFL quarterback — or, if they were lucky, a hello and an autograph.
Manning chuckled when asked if he’d ever finished a round of golf with a band alongside.
“I haven’t, but I like it,” Manning said. “I think I need to get a traveling band to come with me every time I play golf. It helps me make some downhill sliders.”
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Though all three Manning brothers took part on Wednesday — Eli, Peyton and Cooper — there was no competition among the brothers — at least, nothing that Eli wanted to share publicly.
“We were just having fun, trying not to hit a patron,” he said. “… It’s just fun. Fun to be here and get to hang with them last night. We don’t get to see each other all that often.”
And though Eli has played Muirfield Village before, and had a solid round Wednesday that included a birdie on No. 2, don’t mistake that with him having the course figured out.
“It’s hard, I’ve got that figured out,” Manning said. “It’s a lot of fun. Obviously, it’s a great course. The pros have been awesome, getting to play with them.”
Peyton Manning has played in the Pro-Am multiple times, but the course isn’t necessarily easier each time he plays it.
“I feel like they’re changing it based on how I’m hitting it at the Pro-Am every year,” he said. “Jack doesn’t let up.”
On the bag for Peyton was former Ohio State and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver — and former U.S. Congressman — Anthony Gonzalez. The two played together for the Colts from 2007-2011.
There were times coming down the fairway during his round that Peyton would be so busy giving his autograph to any kid who wanted it that he asked Gonzalez if it was his turn to hit or not.
“Once I found out I was playing, he was my first call to come over and spend the day,” Manning said. “We talked about some old times. He’s a great friend and really proud of all he’s done.”
Eli Manning played alongside two-time Memorial champion Patrick Cantlay and pro Alex Norén. Peyton Manning was paired with pros Xander Shauffele and Hudson Swafford.
