As an actor, Dave Annable has had plenty of anxious moments.

Nothing, though, was like Annable’s newest role — celebrity golfer.
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“Yes, I was more nervous,” Annable said following his appearance in the Joe Pesci and Friends Skins Game held Tuesday at Brooklake Country Club. “I think you can tell by the first two chip shots I took.”

The 29-year-old Annable, who plays Justin Walker on ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters,” got through the 10 holes just fine, even making a couple of crucial putts. Annable, a native of Walden, N.Y., admitted to being thrilled to be asked to participate when Motown legend Smokey Robinson withdrew because of an injury.

“The invite came and I didn’t think it was real,” he said. “I called my dad and said ‘I probably just got the coolest invite of my entire life.’ ”

Also competing in the Skins Game, which benefits the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, were Pesci and professional golfers Lee Trevino and Rocco Mediate.

Comedian Tom Dreesen served as master of ceremonies for the event, in its eighth year.

Trevino, the World Golf Hall of Famer and winner of 29 PGA tournaments, seemed to be the favorite, often engaging in banter with the gallery that got closer than close because there were no ropes.

The chatty Trevino talked, of course, while he took shots, something he did throughout his career. Trevino added in off-color jokes and gave tips to the fans. At another point, he put out his cap and pretended to catch one of the golfers’ approach shots but pulled it away at the last second.

Close-up comedy

Bill DeLaar of Budd Lake appreciated watching Trevino and Mediate, the runner-up to Tiger Woods at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, from a few yards away.

“It was exciting,” DeLaar said. “It’s nice to be able to get close to the pros and see how well they play. Rocco’s got a great personality and Lee was socializing with the guys out there.”

Dreesen elicited one of many laughs on the second tee box when he commented about a female member of the gallery possibly standing in dangerous territory and getting hit by an errant golf ball.

“That’s all right,” Dreesen said. “Your husband sent you up there.”

Mediate was a big draw because of his battle with Woods at the U.S. Open. The 2008 Skins Game took place on the same day as the playoff, which went to sudden death, and many of those in attendance at Pesci’s event used their cell phones to check on Mediate and share information. Others gathered around TVs by the bar to watch the dramatic finish.

Tuesday’s activities concluded with an indoor question-and-answer session led by Dreesen.

The comedian started by asking Pesci which film was his best work. Pesci, hesitant to choose one, finally said it probably was the part of Joey LaMotta, the brother and manager of boxer Jake, in “Raging Bull.”

However, Pesci left much of the talking to Trevino and Annable. Trevino responded to fans’ questions about golf while Annable, too, spoke of the sport (he started playing at 12 with his father, grandfather and sister).

$1.6 million raised

Pesci’s Skins Game has been a huge success since its inception, raising more than $1.6 million in support of pediatric programs and services.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ronald J. Del Mauro, St. Barnabas president and CEO, lauded Pesci for taking part.

“Joe has had a significant impact on our system and our hospital, which provides health care to 200,000 children per year,” Del Mauro said. “Having people of his reputation support us is invaluable.

“The two of us go back a long way. What Joe does means a lot to me and the health care system,” Del Mauro said.

And, the invitation to play, likewise, meant the world to the youngest player on the fairways.

“I will 100 percent never forget this in my life,” Annable said.