Cheatin’ Charlie steals show
Published 12:44 am Saturday, November 5, 2011
NATCHEZ — Charlie Callaway’s claim to fame is training 10 PGA golfers and two LPGA golfers from Mississippi.
That, and the fact that he’s known to cut a corner or two on the course.
“If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t eatin’,” said Callaway, who likes to go by “Cheatin’ Charlie.”
But Callaway said the other golfers don’t really have a problem with his prankster ways.
“No, because the ones that know me know that they have no chance,” Callaway joked.
Callaway is also known for his trick shots, including sticking a tee in a plastic Gatorade bottle and driving the ball off it. He was on hand Saturday afternoon at Beau Pré Country Club Friday afternoon to showcase his talents at the Natchez Children’s Home Services’ annual celebrity golf tournament.
He also showcased his ideas on how to make a quick buck, teammate Kelly Edge, of HGTV’s “Decorating Cents,” said.
“There’s a prize truck for a hole-in-one on hole four, and Charlie said, ‘Why don’t we just take it, sell it off for parts, and split the money?’” Edge said.
It’s the fourth visit for Edge to Natchez, and her third time to come for the celebrity tournament. Being able to help Nancy Hungerford, executive director of the children’s home, and the children it sponsors is what keeps her coming, she said.
“I do 10 events a year, which is once a month almost, and this one allows me to see up close and personal what our money is going toward,” Edge said. “You get to touch and feel what you’re raising money for.”
Edge also said she enjoys buying a lot of things while she’s in town.
“I bought this 3-D piece of artwork, and being an interior decorator, I’ll find a spot for it,” Edge said. “My husband may not agree, but I will.”
Edge also said her services are auctioned off each year as a part of the event, and this year she’s been bought as a surprise Christmas present, so she won’t tell who bought her services.
Former Southern Mississippi and professional punter Ray Guy was on hand for his fourth go-round of the tournament. Despite having played in it four times, he said his game still varies at Beau Pré.
“The way I play golf, it doesn’t really make a difference how many times I’ve played this course,” Guy said. “It could be easy or hard, but this is a great course. They keep it in excellent shape.”
Like Edge, Guy said the chance to help the children at the children’s home is what keeps him coming back.
“They’ve been abused and neglected, and somebody’s got to do something,” Guy said. “Nancy and them do a great job. We need people who care about what the kids are going through. As long as you do, that’s all you’re looking for.”