Thousands packed the TPC at River Highlands in Cromwell on Wednesday for Celebrity Pro-Am day at the Travelers Championship.
Fans were treated to nice weather and a chance to watch some top golfers, along with some celebs who have made their name off the golf course.
One of the groups teeing off on Wednesday was an all-Connecticut foursome, including UConn legend Jim Calhoun, UConn head football coach Randy Edsall, UConn men's hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh and they were joined by 2006 Travelers Championship winner and Fairfield native J.J. Henry.
Actor and comedian George Lopez had fans chuckling along the fairways, but said his reason for playing in the event is deeper than just making people laugh.
"The first year I was here I got a chance to meet Mr. Paul Newman, who I supported, the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang (Camp)," Lopez said. "I've been very philanthropic with my own foundation, but as a tribute to Paul Newman, this place holds a great place in my heart. He was very nice to me that day and I would come back here any year, any time."
The camp, founded by Newman in 1988, is the main charity that benefits from the millions raised by the tournament each year.
The day also included a Celebrity Mini-Golf tournament. NBC Connecticut fielded a team, which included First Alert meteorologist Bob Maxon and anchors Kevin Nathan and Shannon Miller.
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The real golf begins on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy is making an appearance at the Travelers Championship for the second year in a row. On Wednesday, he said coming to Cromwell is a nice change of pace coming off the brutal conditions of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island last week.
"You know it gets gys back into the normal routine. You know, they play a golf course where you can make birdies. You can get on runs. That's a nice thing," McIlroy said.
