Lake Tahoe’s celebrity golf event to feature 78 entertainment and sports stars

Nearly 80 sport stars and celebrity actors have pledged their commitment to play in the 19th American Century Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, organizers announced today.

So far 78 have made a commitment to attend this year’s tournament, to be held July 8-13. Among the returning are Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Dennis Miller, Ray Romano, Mario Lemieux, Dan Marino, LaDainian Tomlinson, John Elway and Jerry Rice.

New to the tournament will be NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett, actor Aidan Quinn, skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, sports announcer Joe Buck, baseball hall of famer Ozzie Smith, and 11-time national sports writer-of-the-year Rick Reilly, officials said.

NBC Sports will televise the second and final rounds.

The 54-hole tournament has been played at Edgewood Tahoe’s 6,707-yard lakeside course since 1990. The tournament was won last year by Chris Chandler. His stiffest competition could be from six-time winner Rick Rhoden, four-time winner Dan Quinn and past champions Jack Wagner, Billy Joe Tolliver, Mario Lemieux, Al Del Greco and Mark Rypien.

Since its start, the celebrity golf tournament has raised more than $3 million for a variety of charities, organizers say.

Tickets are available daily at the gate. Prices are $15 July 8-9 and $25 each day, Thursday through Sunday. A season pass cost $60 for all six days of the event. Advance ticket purchases prior to June 15 receive a $5 discount. Kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Tickets are available in advanced at www.bluelaketahoe.com.

The American Century Championship will award $600,000 in prize money with $125,000 going to the winner. Scoring is based on a modified Stableford format with 10 points for a double eagle, 8 for a hole-in-one, 6 for eagle, 3 for birdie, 1for par, 0 for bogey, and minus 2 for double-bogey or higher.

The event is sponsored by American Century Investments.