SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The crowds were a little lighter, the temperatures a little cooler, and gray clouds drifted over the Sierra on Sunday as the final round of the American Century Championship brought another unforgettable week in Lake Tahoe to a close.
The 37th celebrity golf tournament in Tahoe came to an end with a much smaller than normal Sunday crowd, but excitement was not lacking. In the end, tennis star Mardy Fish won the tournament for the third time finishing six points ahead of last year’s champion Joe Pavelski.
It isn’t just a golf tournament. For many local residents, visitors and longtime tournament fans, that’s what makes this annual event so special.
It’s a week-long celebration that has become a summer tradition, bringing together sports legends, celebrities and fans from across the country in what many describe as the best week of the year in South Lake Tahoe.
The weather may have kept some casual spectators away, but those who made the trip were rewarded with another dramatic finish and one last chance to collect autographs, snap photos and watch world-class athletes compete in a relaxed setting unlike any other event in sports.
While the tournament ultimately crowns a champion every year, the competition is only part of the story.
Throughout the week, fans gathered along the ropes to watch the likes of Steph Curry, Jerry Rice, Tony Romo, Jason Kelce, Nate Bargatze, Austin Reeves, Charles Barkley and Miles Teller interact with spectators in a way rarely seen at professional sporting events. Children chased autographs, families spent entire days walking the course together and visitors filled hotels, restaurants and beaches throughout the Tahoe Basin.
Many Folsom and El Dorado Hills residents plan their vacations around the tournament. Others return year after year, making the event a family tradition that spans generations.
For 11-year-old Braylon Bennett of El Dorado Hills, the final day of the tournament was the perfect way to celebrate his birthday.
Walking the grounds with his family, Braylon proudly showed off autographs he collected throughout the weekend, including signatures from San Francisco 49ers players and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.
“I got some from 49ers players, and I got it from Charles Woodson,” Braylon said with a smile. When asked why he thought the athletes stopped to sign for him, he had a simple answer: “I think they did it because it’s my birthday.” He later added a few more notable autographs to his collection, including Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine)
Braylon attended both Saturday and Sunday and said he already hopes to return next year, joining many local youth who come in hopes of meeting their favorite athletes.
His younger sister, Malia Bennett, also spent two days at the tournament, though her focus wasn’t necessarily on collecting autographs.
“I got only three signatures so far,” said Malia, who is eight years old. While she was excited to receive an autograph from a football player, she said her favorite part of the entire weekend was supporting her older brother on his birthday adventure.
“Supporting my brother,” Malia said when asked what she enjoyed most about the tournament.
Another young fan making memories was 3-year-old Lennon Stephens of El Dorado Hills.
Lennon proudly showed off an autograph from women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam, although she had her own pronunciation for the Hall of Famer’s name.
“AMMIKA Sorenstam,” Lennon said excitedly after learning that Sorenstam was leading the tournament at the exact time she received the autograph.
The moment was especially memorable considering Lennon also received a hug from Sorenstam during last year’s tournament. Yet despite meeting one of the greatest golfers of all time and adding another autograph to her collection, Lennon still had a different favorite part of the annual event.
“My favorite thing is the hot dogs,” she said.
As the final groups made their way up the 18th fairway Sunday afternoon and volunteers began preparing for another year, there was a familiar feeling throughout the property — a mix of satisfaction, gratitude and anticipation for next summer.
Because in Tahoe, the end of the celebrity golf tournament doesn’t just signal the conclusion of a sporting event.
It marks the end of what many locals and visitors proudly call the best week of the year.
Moments like those are what continue to make the American Century Championship more than just a golf tournament. For many families, it has become a cherished summer tradition and an opportunity to create memories together.
Tommy Handy ended up attending one more day than planned on their first trip. “The tournament was a blast to watch, but the best part was getting to experience with my son for the first time. Seeing his excitement and having those memories to share makes me look forward to coming back next year!”
Whether it’s collecting autographs from sports heroes, sharing laughs with celebrities along the ropes or simply enjoying a hot dog while walking the fairways at Edgewood Tahoe, the tournament continues to create lasting memories for fans of all ages.
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