Talking golf with Mark Wahlberg, in Tampa for the Outback Pro-Am

He’s the guy who could sell Calvin Klein underwear to just about anyone.

But can he drive, chip and putt?

Absolutely, provided the wind isn’t messing things up.

Mark Wahlberg is among several celebrities playing in this weekend’s Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am at TPC Tampa Bay.

The annual charity event pairs celebrity and amateur partners with professionals during real tournament play. Pros play for a $1.7 million purse, with $255,000 going to the winner. Celebs play for bragging rights.

Joining Wahlberg are Bill Murray, Michael J. Fox, George Lopez, Stone Phillips, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Joe Theismann, Vinny Testaverde, Nancy Lopez and Jim Courier.

Wahlberg, 37, took up golf about 10 years ago. He’s known for hitting 300-yard drives but stresses that getting the ball in the hole is what ultimately matters. This marks his second Outback appearance; his first was in 2006.

Tbt* spoke with the former rapper and model turned actor and TV producer on Wednesday after he — and his Callaway clubs — arrived in Tampa.

Have you ever shot a hole in one?

Yes. Once. I was in Hamburg, Germany. It was an 180-yard hole. I checked behind the green and then in front of the green. Everywhere, but in the hole. And then somebody else asked me what kind of ball I was playing. It was in the hole.

When was that?

Maybe seven years ago, eight.

So you were new to the game?

I just assumed they would come often. But it hasn’t happened yet.

How often do you play?

Now that I have three small children, I usually play maybe once or twice a week, at the most.

What do you like most about it?

Everything. It’s the most difficult game in the world to play, but it’s very relaxing and challenging. It’s a good way to get away from stress and problems, and spend quality time with people.

Favorite club?

Whatever I’m hitting the best that day.

Golf Digest ranked you No. 26 among Hollywood golfers in 2007. What did you think of that?

All the guys in Hollywood stink. They’ve all got fake handicaps.

What’s yours?

It’s up there. I’m in the teens. I don’t know what they’re going to have me playing at. I told them to call my club to verify. I was in single digits the last time I was here, but I’ve been trying to get out of the 90s and high 80s.

Are you nervous playing with pros?

No. I just go out and have a good time. I’m not making a living off this. My play isn’t dependent on my feeding my family.

What do fans call you on the golf course? Marky Mark?

No. They call me Dirk. (As in Diggler, the porn star he played in Boogie Nights).
Source: Tampa Bay