LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2016 / Sports Analyst and MLB HOF Pitcher, John Smoltz, and CBS Sports Radio Host, Doug Gottlieb, discuss the exciting upcoming Diamond Resorts Invitational™ tournament by Diamond Resorts International® on January 13-15.

"I'll do anything to get under his skin!" True to form, John Smoltz has already started the trash talk ahead of competing against Greg Maddux at this year's Diamond Resorts Invitational™ event. He doesn't rule out needling his old teammate out on the course either, "If he's in first place and I'm chasing him, I think the sky's the limit, right?"

Interviewed last week, Smoltz was relishing the prospect of mixing it up on the course with many high-profile celebrities and top-tier tour players of the Seniors (PGA). "There couldn't be a better place (Florida) when the weather's cold everywhere else, so I really look forward to this. Diamond Resorts has done an incredible job with this tournament."

Smoltz has been a fixture at the event since its inception in 2013 and has watched it grow from a small tournament to an integral part of the PGA TOUR Champions Challenge Season schedule with a combined $1.25 million in prize money. Age does not seem to have blunted Smoltz's type-A appetite for competition: "I'll be 50 in May and I'm trying to keep up with some of these young, nasty, talented guys. So it's a fun way to gauge your game," he says.

He'll have plenty of chances to do just that. The event is golf's only three-day individual competition among PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA players and top-tier celebrities from sports and entertainment. Among the pros, John Daly, Lee Janzen and Jeff Sluman are all slated to play. Baseball celebrities will also be featured heavily as the Diamond Resorts Invitational™ tees off right in the middle of the off-season.

Smoltz has plenty to say about that too. "Trust me, there are some guys who can move a golf ball. Josh Donaldson. Justin Verlander probably hits it farther than anybody I've ever seen." But even before the first drive, Smoltz has already picked the winner, "Mark Mulder, to me, is the best player. He absolutely crushes it."

But when the talking stops, will Smoltz be able to bring his A-game? All will be revealed on January 13-15 at the beautiful Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

About Diamond Resorts International®

Diamond Resorts International®, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Diamond Resorts - Vacations for Life - Stay Vacationed: http://www.diamondresortsnews.com

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Diamond Resorts International® Why Vacations for Life® - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBW2aWUO5s

Contact Information

Angela Triano
Ampology.com
Tel: 551-574-8332
Angela.Triano@ampology.com

SOURCE: Diamond Resorts International