Who to watch at this year’s Tahoe celebrity golf tournament
ajensen@tahoedailytribune.com
Adam Jensen / File Photo |
Where To Watch
Holes 1 and 10
Early birds to the tournament can get a glimpse of the entire field as players alternate teeing off between the first and 10th holes. For those intent on following a specific group, it’s a great opportunity to get a look at some other participants before shoving off with your chosen celebrities.
The 16th, 17th and 18th
Hole 16 is an intimidating drive that faces the lake and features a green surrounded by bunkers of doom, making for plenty of excitement. Hole 17 is a par three and the course’s marquee spot, where the beach, Lake Tahoe, fans and celebrities all come together. You can probably skip the drive on 18, but you don’t want to miss any of the action from the second shot or green at Edgewood’s final hole.
A little bit of everything
Edgewood Tahoe is a beautiful golf course, so it’s worth putting some miles on your shoes to see as much of it as you can. The holes closest to the clubhouse tend to draw the most attention, while the last few holes on the front nine tend to be pretty quiet. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, those holes are not a bad place to be.
On television
While I recommend getting out on the course at least one day during the three-day tournament, the event plays extremely well on the small screen. The broadcast also jumps around, giving you an overall perspective on the tournament that’s impossible to get on foot. NBC Sports Network provides live coverage Friday, with NBC airing the tournament Saturday and Sunday. Golf Channel will also provide additional coverage of the tournament.
Editor’s note: A version of this story first appeared in July 15, 2015, edition of the Tribune.
The American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament returns to Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course Friday through Sunday. This year’s field includes plenty of familiar faces among its dozens of sports stars and entertainers. Many attendees stick to a few favorite participants, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Here’s a quick guide on who to watch at this year’s celebrity golf championship:
Bay Area Sports Stars
There are too many stars from too many disciplines playing this weekend to list here, but safe to say, there’s a little something for every kind of sports fans at the celebrity golf tournament. Bay Area legends like former San Francisco 49ers Jerry Rice and Steve Young are always popular with fans. Current stars of Northern California sports, including Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodola, are also sure to draw big crowds. San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski, coming off his first Stanley Cup appearance, should also be a hit for those sporting teal and black. NFL linebacker A.J. Hawk is known for some on-course shenanigans, as is former defensive end Jared Allen, so even if you’re not a fan of what they have done on the field, check them out just for the laughs.
The Jokers
One doesn’t need to be a super fan to find someone to follow at the celebrity golf tournament. Sprinkled among the athlete-heavy field are comedians and actors that have slim chances to win the tournament but the best odds at entertaining the crowds. Ray Romano, Kevin Nealon and Larry the Cable Guy are typically among the more entertaining personalities at the tournament. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro wears a perpetual smile throughout the weekend, while the man who gets the most laughs at the tournament isn’t a comedian by trade. Former NBA star Charles Barkley is an all-time fan favorite (and 6,000-1 underdog) for good reason. He shakes hands, kisses babies and will always let you know what’s on his mind. Check in with Chuck and see how his golf game has improved or regressed at least once this weekend.
The Scratch Golfers
Former MLB pitcher Mark Mulder, former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, former MLB reliever Eric Gagne, NBA MVP Steph Curry, actor Jack Wagner and former NHL star Jeremy Roenick are among the favorites to win this year’s tournament. Former professional tennis player Mardy Fish tops the favorites list with Mulder, who won last year. Fish finished fourth last year, won the Diamond Resorts Invitational celebrity athlete golf tournament in January and presents an intriguing option for gamblers, especially since this year’s field doesn’t include past champions and perennial contenders Billy Joe Tolliver, Rick Rhoden and Dan Quinn. The actual competition of the tournament often takes a backseat to celebrity sightings, but be sure to tune in Sunday to catch the final round action.
Justin Timberlake
JT is back for a second consecutive year and is sure to draw plenty of attention during his return trip to the ACC. The musician takes his golf game pretty seriously, so stay out of the way. He did get down with Ribeiro and Rice last year, so it’s not all about business for the “Can’t Stop the Feeling” singer this weekend.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is located at 100 Lake Parkway in Stateline. Tickets to the celebrity golf tournament are $30 per day Friday through Sunday.
More information is available at http://americancenturychampionship.com.
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