The American Century Championship, a premier celebrity golf tournament, is set to return to the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe from July 10-12. The event draws a high-profile roster of athletes, entertainers, and media personalities, all vying for victory on the renowned course.
This year's participants are expected to include notable figures such as NBA star Steph Curry, former NHL player Joe Pavelski, and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, among many others. The tournament utilizes a Modified Stableford scoring system, which awards points based on a player's score for each hole, encouraging an aggressive style of play.
Under the Modified Stableford system, an albatross earns 10 points, a hole-in-one yields eight points, an eagle is worth six points, and a birdie brings in three points. A par is awarded one point, while bogeys and worse result in point deductions. This format contrasts with traditional stroke play, emphasizing birdies and eagles to accumulate points.
Last year's champion, Joe Pavelski, secured victory with 73 points. World Series winner John Smoltz finished second with 64 points, country singer Jake Owen was third with 62, former U.S. Men's National Team soccer player Taylor Twellman placed fourth with 61, and Steph Curry rounded out the top five with 58 points.
Smoltz has noted that his past slow starts, often attributed to a conservative approach, have forced him to play catch-up. He emphasized the importance of making birdies, which are highly rewarded in the tournament's scoring system. "You get three times the value for a birdie," Smoltz explained, highlighting the need for aggressive play to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam echoed this sentiment, stating her intention to be more aggressive to compete effectively in the Stableford format. "Consistency was really the key" in her professional career, she said, but "now it's about getting points and you get points by being more aggressive here. It rewards birdies and Eagles." Sorenstam expressed a desire to win the event against the male competitors.
The tournament is known not only for its competitive golf but also for its vibrant atmosphere. Joe Mauer, a former MLB star, described the event as one where "they make you feel like you're on the tour for one week." Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann, a participant in 36 of the 37 championships, called it a "can’t-miss event" for those who love golf and appreciate the opportunity to meet and interact with well-known personalities.
Jay Bilas, an ESPN broadcaster, likened receiving an invitation to the tournament to a PGA Tour player being invited to the Masters. He praised the "beautiful setting in Lake Tahoe" and the "spectacular" weather, as well as the relaxed attire of the attendees. He credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for fostering a welcoming, family-like environment.
Former NFL player Patrick Peterson shared that the event is a highlight for his family, who enjoy the activities around Lake Tahoe, creating lasting memories. Jerome Bettis, another NFL legend, enjoys the "locker room vibe" and the camaraderie with fellow athletes that the tournament provides.
Beyond the competition and celebrity appearances, the American Century Championship also serves a significant philanthropic purpose. The event has raised over $8 million for charities, with American Century Investments donating 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and facilitating fundraising at the tournament to support the institute annually.