Roto-Rooter's Drain the Putt Challenge

How many golfers can sink a 94-foot putt on their first try? It’s doubtful Tiger Woods could do it, but a Clemson Tiger did. Christopher Carns, a Clemson student stepped right onto the basketball court at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday January 6th. With a noisy crowd cheering him on, he putted the ball right down the full length of the court through a tiny arch that resembled a baseboard mouse hole from a Tom & Jerry cartoon. See the video.

Carns, a Clemson senior and accounting major, was chosen randomly from the student viewing section at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum to take part in the Roto-Rooter Drain the Putt Challenge, just prior to the game between Clemson and Louisville. Carns had never played golf before and attended the game in his bedroom slippers. Nevertheless, his putt stayed on course down the full length of the hardwood and went right in. The crowd erupted in applause as Roto-Rooter signs flashed all over the arena. It was an amazing sight!

The contest was organized by the Roto-Rooter of Upstate South Carolina president and franchisee, Abby Zaffuto. Abby is a Clemson alumna, booster, sponsor and rabid fan. Abby and her marketing director, Dustin Littrell put together the contest as part of their sponsorship package. It was the first of six Drain the Putt contests to held before Clemson basketball games this season. Dustin, a University of Louisville graduate, was so excited by the putt that he didn’t even mind (too much) when his beloved Cardinals fell to the Tigers in the game that followed.