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The Bridgestone Senior Players golf tournament takes over Firestone Country Club this week, bringing dozens of the PGA's top senior golfers to Akron.
Golfer Billy Andrade turned pro in 1987. The 55-year-old Rhode Island native joined the PGA Tour Champions in 2014 and has played in 131 events for three PGA Tour Champions victories.
Andrade joined the Let's Be Clear truck Wednesday at Firestone Country Club for a 20-minute conversation on life as a pro golfer, his thoughts on Northeast Ohio and the current state of golf.
You can watch the full interview again below:
"The state of the game is in a great place," Andrade said. "I think we have more great players that are younger that are coming out. I just like to see them smile more and just enjoy it, and understand we're in the entertainment world here. People are paying money to come through these gates to watch us play."
Andrade discussed life as a golf pro and his experiences golfing alongside big names like Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Bill Murray.
His best experience golfing with a big name, Andrade said, was Arnold Palmer, who has played in Andrade's charity event in Rhode Island with the likes of other golf greats, like Jack Nicklaus.
"Just to have Arnold play at our course that we grew up on and help us raise money up there with our CBS tournament, those are the times. And now that he's not with us, those are the times that you remember," Andrade said.
Andrade, who now lives in Atlanta, said Northeast Ohio reminds him of his hometown, from the restaurants to the sports fans. He said he was in Cleveland for Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game and appreciated the fans' support of the Indians, but he's also enjoyed the hometown feel he's received from the area.
"Just driving down the street and seeing little Italian restaurants, probably a mom and pop operation, that's how I grew up," he said.
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