Celebrity golfers // Chris Young, WMNF News, 3/30/2026
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Various athletes, community leaders, and celebrities came out to hit the links in Tampa on Monday for a good cause.
Over a hundred people showed up at a Tampa country club for the golf tournament, hosted by Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Legend Titus O’Neil.
Bullard says he got the idea after golfing in various tournaments and wanted to bring that to Tampa.
“Tampa is so important to me. It’s where I grew up as a man. I came here in 2004. I wasn’t a WWE superstar when I got here. I was trying to find my way. I raised my sons here and just continuously poured into this area. I’ve seen it grow, and it helped me grow,” Bullard told WMNF.
Bullard, who usually hosts giveaways to local children and families, said he was inspired by other tournaments he has been a part of.
“I’ve been an avid golfer now for probably the last, serious golfer, for the last 2 or 3 years. And I’ve been playing in so many different golf tournaments. So it only made it right that I ended up doing something like this for myself and for my foundation.” Bullard said.
Basketball Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J.” Erving said he enjoys golf because it brings people together.
“Golf is one of those sports where you can communicate. You know, it’s not out there knocking one another’s heads off like you do with football, or elbowing and kneeing like you do in basketball or hockey or soccer or whatever, it’s more sane and civilized.” Erving told WMNF.
Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson said he came to Tampa to support his friend and play a sport he loves.
“For the last few months, I’ve been playing a little erratic, but, you know, you always think you’ve found something. I’m not going to say I got it because the golf gods will come down and wreak havoc on me. So I’m going to say I’m close to getting it.” Anderson told WMNF.
Bullard’s foundation has hosted various giveaways throughout Tampa, including back-to-school backpack giveaways and Christmas giveaways.
Organizers say proceeds from the event will go to youth development, education, and family stability.