When the timing is right, the Las Vegas Golf Insider writes for Si.com/golf about how GOLF is the common theme among all big events, concerts, shows, etc. in Las Vegas. Last week, we featured World Series of Poker professional Ben Lamb, who has a passion for cards … and golf. But maybe not in that order. –By Brian Hurlburt, founder
Lamb, a Southern Highlands member, recently won his second WSOP bracelet and is involved in other events as the mega-poker tournament runs through July 18, but he still took some time to discuss his golf game with us, including playing for thousands, teeing it up with Tiger Woods and the similarities and differences between golf and poker.
You can check out the full story at SI.com/golf
When Lamb is on the course, he plays with different groups and the stakes vary. But always seem to be more than most of us play for.
“I have a few different groups of guys I golf with and the stakes vary,” said Lamb, who this year earned his second World Series of Poker bracelet with a win in the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship. “When I play with my good friends, we play for anywhere from 300 bucks to a thousand bucks a hole. That is not enough for anyone to get hurt too badly. We also adjust our handicap strokes on a day-to-day basis, so the money should go back and forth. The best thing is that when you win there is the opportunity to let the other guys know about it. “I also play with poker players. We play as big as $5,000-$10,000 a hole and usually birdies are double. Those games can get pretty big, pretty quickly. I’m trying to beat them, they are trying to beat me, and there’s mutual respect. There can be a lot of money on the line over a final putt on the 18th hole and emotions can get high.”
Photos: courtesy World Series of Poker, Ben Lamb
Tiger Woods and Ben Lamb at 2023 Genesis Invitational Pro-Am