Michael Jordan Playing in Next 'Golf Digest' U.S. Open Challenge

The inaugural Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge took place at Torrey Pines this year prior to the start of the U.S. Open. The next one takes place the week before the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in New York.

And Michael Jordan will be one of the celebrities taking part.

The Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge was inspired by Tiger Woods' comments at Oakmont in 2007 that a 10-handicapper couldn't break 100 in U.S. Open conditions. So the magazine and the USGA put it to the test by selecting one "regular" golfer to join three celebrities for a round at Torrey Pines just prior to the Open.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo shot 84 that day, entertainer Justin Timberlake posted 98, and "Today" host Matt Lauer carded a 100. The lucky contest winner was John Atkinson, and he shot 114.

Next year at Bethpage Black, Jordan will be one of the three celebrities, according to an official with the event who spoke to the Associated Press. Timberlake will return, while the third celeb has yet to be selected.

And the "regular" golfer? Well, it could be you. If you'd like to enter for a chance to earn that fourth spot, visit gdopencontest.com for all the details. You'll have to submit a six-word (yes, just six words) "essay" explaining why you should be the choice, or you can submit a 60-second video. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31, 2009.