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 superstarStephen Curry, the 2023 winner, and former tennis proMardy 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 standoutJoe Pavelski(3-1), three-time championTony Romo(4.5-1), Hall of Fame pitcherJohn Smoltz(5.5-1), and women’s golf legendAnnika 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 byAnnika 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 isWNBA 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’sDylan Dreyer, beloved meteorologist from theTodayshow, andKathryn 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-favoriteGeorge Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, making his debut. Meanwhile,Aaron Rodgers,Travis Kelce, andJason Kelcereturn to the field, joined by newly crowned NBA championAlex Caruso, Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves, and Sacramento Kings starZach LaVine.
A host of longshots and headline-makers are also part of the draw, including comedianNate Bargatze, NHL championMatthew Tkachuk, NFL quarterbackTrevor Lawrence, and broadcasterCharles 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 theAmerican Century Championship website.
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