Hollywood sceen legend Mark Wahlberg lives a life the majority of us can only dream of.
He’s the star of movies such Boogie Nights, The Perfect Storm, The Planet of the Apes, The Departed, Patriots Day and got to snuggle-up close to Charlize Theron in The Italian Job.
He received a star on Hollywaood’s ‘Walk of Fame’ in July, 2010.
Though you can be the greatest actor in the world, win multiple Academy Awards but you can also drive into the grounds of the famed Riviera Country Club in a Bentley or a Mini but once on the golf course it’s all equal.
Tiger Woods watches Mark Wahlberg’s shot during Wednesday’s Genesis Open Pro-Am
It was Tiger Woods that whet the appetite now 46-year old Wahlberg to take-up golf.
And the Boston-born Wahlberg, who was the youngest of nine children, got to play out his golfing dream alongside Woods in Wednesday’s Genesis Open Pro-Am ahead of the $US 7.2m event proper on the Riviera Country Club course and home since the club opened in 1926 to so many legendary Hollywood screen greats.
Tiger Woods and Mark Wahlberg during Wednesday’s Genesis Open Pro-Am.
“The first time I ever played golf was here at Riviera, and unfortunate I nearly killed Peter Falk off the first tee,” said Wahlberg.
“But today and playing with Tiger, and the greatest golfer who ever played the game and a guy who inspired me to play, and he was in great spirits, and was just great and good to talk to him.
“He’s a good guy. He’s a great dad. So, it was nice to be able to hang out with him.
“Normally, I don’t walk the golf course so I had to act and look like I was in good shape but it was a lot of fun.”
Wahlberg is left-handed and for all 18-holes of the Pro-Am he had Apple Air-Pods in his ears so not too sure if PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would agree. One thing is certain, the practice generated a lot of negative remarks directed at Wahlberg.
And when Wahlberg plays Riviera outside of the Genesis Open he is known for always wanting to start his round from the 10th tee.
He is greeted in the car park by one of three caddies he will take with him over the course of his round with a second to handle the clubs and any bunker ranking while a third is on hand to sprint between Wahlberg’s shots given he always uses a motorised buggy.
But one thing is certain, all three caddies are adequately compensated.
