Justin Timberlake to host 2008 PGA event

Bing Crosby. Sammy Davis Jr. Bob Hope. And now … Justin Timberlake?

The PGA Tour announced on Monday that the four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, record producer and actor will serve as host of its Las Vegas event in 2008, becoming the 14th celebrity to host an official tournament.

According to reports, Timberlake plays to a 6-handicap.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Timberlake, who plays to a 6-handicap, according to a Golf Digest ranking that was released earlier this year. “We will make sure to make this event unique and memorable.”

Like Bing and Sammy, Timberlake is known more for his crooning than his golf swing. His album “FutureSex/LoveSounds” debuted at No. 1 when it was released last year, and his song “SexyBack” was a No. 1 single.

The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, part of the tour’s Fall Series, will be played Oct. 13-19, 2008, at TPC-Summerlin. As part of his involvement, Timberlake will play in the Wednesday celebrity pro-am and host a concert during tournament week.

An avid golfer, Timberlake competes in the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am each year. According to a widely published report, he has vowed to play in a tournament as a competitor in the not-too-distant future. “Justin is a very keen golfer and he’s playing to a very high standard now,” a source close to the entertainer said in April. “His aim is to make it into a pro event — just for a tournament or two. He practices every day, has a coach and takes his clubs wherever he goes.”

“We will raise money for charity while participating in the greatest game ever played,” Timberlake said. “I thank the PGA Tour and the Shriners Hospitals for Children this amazing opportunity. Raising money to better children’s lives while playing golf? I can’t think of a better way to pass the time.”