Billy Andrade's ESPNBoston.com Chat Transcript

On Friday June 11^th, Charity Classic co-host and PGA Tour pro Billy Andrade stopped by ESPN Sportsnation’s Morning Buzz at 10 a.m. ET to chat some golf.

Billy Andrade: Looking forward to chatting. We have a wonderful golf tournament coming up. We're in our twelfth year and it should be fun.

JP (Providence): Who are you most excited about adding to the CVS field this year?

Billy Andrade: I think having some new blood coming in will be great. Players like Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer head the list. Our goal every year is to get some new players that haven't been there before in order to keep things exciting.

Nathan (Boston): Hey Billy, what are some of your favorite memories on the Charity Classic?

Billy Andrade: The first year, we had back-to-back hole in ones and that was the start of some great memories. Lee Jahnson and Scott McCarron hit back-to-back hole in ones on the 17th hole. Other memories are the great players that I have had the pleasure of playing with like Phil Mickelson and Gary Player.

Joe (Cranston): Hey Billy, what's the biggest challenge for you in putting on the charity classic?

Billy Andrade: I think our biggest challenge is finding a way to add spice. Last year we added LPGA players to spice things up. The challenge is to continue to have a fresh product that we can showcase.

Victor (monroe,la): Do you think you can win the u.s. open this year?

Billy Andrade: David Toms, only because he's from LA. Really I think it's a wide open field but my pick is Phil Mickelson.

PeterR (North Haven, CT): Do you think Tiger will ever get back to the dominant level that he used to be at? It looks to me like his swing is really out of whack?

Billy Andrade: I think you have to just give him time. I do agree that his swing is a little out of whack but you can never count him out. I think his biggest problem is he is getting older and there are a lot of younger players coming up. His competition is getting a lot stiffer.

Marky (South Boston): Who's your favorite all-time player to play with (in a tournament round and in a just having fun round)?

Billy Andrade: My favorite of all-time is Arnold Palmer. He's the king, the greatest of all-time. I was on his scholarship and Wake Forest. Playing with him is something that I will never forget.

George (Sandwich, Ma): What advice would you give young golfers who are looking to get serious about the game of golf?

Billy Andrade: I would say number one is to play and not just practice all the time. Hit shots that you would have to hit during a tournament. Number two is just have fun. I see so many young plays that are too serious. Just have fun with the game.

Joe (Boston): Billy, why do you think RI has produced so many quality golfers?

Billy Andrade: That's a great question Joe! It's a question that has been asked a lot over the year and it's hard to answer. It really is amazing how the Northeast had produced many golfers and the little state of Rhode Island is a big part of that. Or maybe we're just lucky.

Steve (Providence): What are you most proud of about the Charity Classic?

Billy Andrade: The fact that we raised over 13 million dollars for our charities. We get to go out play golf, have fun, entertain the fans and help charities. The coolest thing is giving the money to these charities; it's one of the coolest days of the year. The tournament looks like it makes me, Brad Faxon and CVS look good but we that a bunch of volunteers that help out as well. When you have something that everyone cares about, you can have a great event like we have.

Billy Andrade: I would love for everyone to come out. Sunday we have a great Pro-Am. Come out on Monday and Tuesday for some great golf and to also enjoy yourself. If you want to be in the know, join VIP Mobile Golf Club by texting CVSgolf to 74700.