Many locals flock to Edgewood this week to get a glimpse of celebrity roster
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE – Two defending champions will be among a powerhouse lineup when the American Century Championship returns to the shores of Lake Tahoe this week, bringing with it a stacked roster of athletes, celebrities, and trailblazers from across the sports and entertainment world. Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, the 2023 winner, and former tennis pro Mardy Fish, the 2024 champ, are co-favorites to capture this year’s title when the prestigious celebrity tournament tees off July 11–13 at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Curry, who did not defend his title last year due to his gold-medal-winning run with USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics, is back and favored to reclaim the top spot. His 2023 win remains one of the tournament’s most thrilling finishes — a Saturday hole-in-one followed by a dramatic eagle putt on the 18th hole to edge out Fish and electrify the national television audience on NBC.
Fish, however, arrives with confidence after his 2024 victory and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Curry atop the Caesars Sportsbook odds board at 2.4-1 (+240). They’ll face strong competition from retired NHL standout Joe Pavelski (3-1), three-time champion Tony Romo (4.5-1), Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz (5.5-1), and women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam (6.5-1), among others.
Now in its 36th year, the American Century Championship blends fierce competition with fun, all set against one of the most scenic backdrops in golf. More than 80 celebrities — including current and former professional athletes, broadcasters, and entertainers — will compete for $750,000 in prize money and to raise funds for regional and national charities. To date, the event has generated over $8 million in charitable donations.
The women’s field this year is led by Annika Sorenstam, an 11-time major champion and 72-time LPGA winner who finished third overall in 2024. Sorenstam, one of the most decorated golfers in history, remains a serious contender in the coed competition.
Joining her is WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, making her tournament debut. A former Division I athlete in both basketball and lacrosse at Lehigh University, Engelbert brings not only executive leadership but athletic credibility to the course. Under her leadership, the WNBA has seen record-setting growth in viewership, attendance, and revenue.
Also teeing off are NBC’s Dylan Dreyer, beloved meteorologist from the Today show, and Kathryn Tappen, a respected sports broadcaster featured on NBC Sports and the NHL Network. Their growing presence on the fairways adds both talent and visibility to the expanding women’s division.
NFL stars will be out in full force with fan-favorite George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, making his debut. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, Travis Kelce, and Jason Kelce return to the field, joined by newly crowned NBA champion Alex Caruso, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, and Sacramento Kings star Zach LaVine.
A host of longshots and headline-makers are also part of the draw, including comedian Nate Bargatze, NHL champion Matthew Tkachuk, NFL quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and broadcaster Charles Barkley, who is once again at the bottom of the odds at 7500-1. Barkley will look to top last year’s 58th-place finish, the best of his career after two decades of finishes in the 70s.
Televised nationally on NBC, GOLF Channel, and Peacock, the 54-hole competition runs Friday through Sunday, July 11–13, with festivities and celebrity-amateur events beginning Wednesday, July 10. The winner will take home a $150,000 first-place prize and the bragging rights as the top golfer among sports and entertainment elite.
More than 70,000 fans are expected to line the fairways throughout the week, making it one of the largest and most celebrated events in celebrity golf — a tradition that continues to grow in popularity thanks to its high-level competition, unmatched setting, and lighthearted spirit.
For tickets, player profiles, tee times, and full event details, visit the American Century Championship website.
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