Three-Time World Series Champion Jon Lester Discusses Upcoming The Diamond Resorts Invitational

The Diamond Resorts Invitational Foundation was established in Las Vegas, Nevada; the foundation has provided financial aid and support to various charitable organizations as a division of its global social responsibility efforts. As the North American Sales and Marketing team continue to develop a significant presence in Central Florida, Diamond’s involvement in the Orlando community also continues to grow year to year.
The foundation first began its partnership with the Florida Hospital For Children (FHFC) in 2012 through volunteer participation in hospital events that included Thanksgiving Dinner, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Along with the support of Professional golfer Brian Gay, and under Gay’s guidance the Diamond Resorts Invitational has progressed into a nationally known, celebrity/amateur charity golf tournament that supports the Florida Hospital For Children mission statement to save patients lives.
Florida Hospital for Children is dedicated to delivering world-class programs, extraordinary patient care, and clinical excellence. Its flagship hospital is the substance of a children’s network that includes primary care pediatricians, specialty clinics, emergency departments and Kids Urgent Care.

This Year’s The Diamond Resorts Invitational will be held at the Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons in Orlando, Florida. Some of the participates that will be a part of this year’s event will be NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, NBA Legend Ray Allen, Two-Time World Series Champion Josh Beckett, NHL Legend Mike Modano, Seven-Time LPGA Tour Winner Brittany Lincicome, Seven-Time LPGA TOUR Winner Lexi Thompson, Three-Time World Series Winner Jon Lester, 7-time MLB Cy Young Award Winner Rodger Clemons, and LPGA Professional Paula Creamer and more.
The Hype Magazine recently had the opportunity to speak with Three-Time World Series Winner Jon Lester about the upcoming Diamond Resorts Invitational on January 12th through 14th 2018. Here is what he had to say about what spectators can expect from his personal golf game.
“At this time, I do not know how my golf game will be, but I do know last year it was a great event to participate in. We were able to see professional golfers showcase their talents, how well they evolve and their consistency as players. It makes you want to strive to be a better player as far as me personally. I have not had much time to play in the offseason so; this is a crapshoot until we get down there.”
Jon’s current Chicago Cubs’ teammate John Lucky approached him about possibly participating in the in Diamond Resorts Invitational tournament.
“John Lucky started talking to me about the opportunity to play. The event will be held at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons in Orlando, Florida and it benefits the Florida Hospital for Children. Again, you can see old friends, and I’m glad that I will be a part of the Diamond Resorts Invitational.”
“Before last year I did not have an opportunity to play the course. We are looking forward to playing it again this year. The event and the venue were great, and we were able to raise a lot of money for the Florida Hospital for Children. When you add the venue, location, and the cause it is a great event to be apart.”
“It is always an excellent opportunity to visit with former teammates and managers that you do not get a chance to see a lot during the season. We can kind of catch up at some of the events that we participate in. It is always good to get together with former teammates and coaches to reminisce about the good times we had as a team. Playing against Terry Francona in the World Series last year and being able to rub that in a little bit. Being able to catch up will be great.”
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
