Local Taco Bell manager to putt for $10 million

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

Josh Smith and his putter have been inseparable lately.

"My wife drew the line at me bringing the putter to bed," the 26-year-old Taco Bell manager said about taking it everywhere he goes, work included.

If Smith hits two good putts this weekend, he will be a millionaire.

By beating two Colorado residents in the Beck's Putt & Win Ten Million Dollar Sweepstakes West regional last Wednesday, Smith advanced to the finals in Lake Tahoe, where he will compete against three other regional champions.

The Las Vegan entered the contest after hearing about it on the radio. More than a month later, he was skeptical when he received a phone call informing him he had won the sweepstakes.

"It was just one of those things," Smith said. "I totally forgot I entered.

"The lady called and ... I thought she was trying to sell me something. She said, 'Did you enter the Beck's Putt and Win Ten Million Dollar Sweepstakes?' and told me I was the sweepstakes winner. I thought I won a beer magnet for my refrigerator or something."

What he won was an expenses-paid trip to San Diego for the regional playoff, where Smith sank a 13-foot putt on an AstroTurf green in a local bar that also was holding a bikini contest. His next putt stopped within 11 inches of the hole, eliminating his competition.

"There were a lot of people there for a bikini contest," he said. "It was a test to stay focused."

His focus now is on practicing as much as he can before the finals.

"I'm carrying my putter everywhere I go," Smith said. "I've been going to the golf courses around town and practicing at home, anytime I get a spare chance. I've been spending three to four hours a day putting."

All four finalists will attempt a 65-foot putt Friday. Whoever makes it or gets closest will earn $10,000 and a chance to win up to $10 million by making the same putt Saturday.

The final contestant has the choice of attempting a putt from 20 feet for $1 million or trying one putt from beyond 20 feet, with each five-foot increment paying more -- up to $10 million for a 65-footer.

If Smith makes it to the final, he said he will try a 30-35-footer for a $3-4 million payoff.

"The longest spot on my carpet is 35 feet," said Smith, who has been practicing inside because of the heat. "I feel comfortable with it. Sixty-five feet is a long way to get skilled at. It's pretty much luck there."

The father of two boys and one girl has no plans to quit his job if he wins.

"I have no idea what I'd do with the money," he said. "I haven't really thought about that. I'm just enjoying the trips. I'm just thrilled I've got to do this so far. It's more than I ever thought I was going to get anyway, so whatever happens, happens."