As thousands of fans make their way to Lake Tahoe for one of the region’s most anticipated summer sporting events, several Folsom residents are among those lining the fairways for the annual celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
The tournament, which combines professional athletes, entertainers and celebrities against the scenic backdrop of Lake Tahoe, has become a summer tradition for many Northern California sports fans. This year’s event features a star-studded field of current and former athletes, television personalities and entertainers competing before packed galleries.
Through the first two rounds, tennis star Mardy Fish holds a four-point lead over defending champion and former NHL standout Joe Pavelski. Former LPGA star Annika Sorenstam, widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s golfers of all time, sits five points back in third place. The tournament uses a modified Stableford scoring system.
For Folsom residents, the event offers more than just golf. It provides an opportunity to see favorite sports figures up close, enjoy the atmosphere of the South Shore and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Father and son Tom and Matthew Handy made the trip from Folsom for the first time this year and said they already plan to return.
“We had a blast,” Tommy Handy said. “The atmosphere was great.” His son Matthew said his highlight of the day was getting former NBA great Ray Allen’s autograph as the last person he signed after a long day on the course. “I also loved seeing the current and former 49ers players and getting autographs since I’m a big 49ers fan”
Bryan Greenwalt photos.
Another Folsom family making its first trip to Tahoe was Ben and Bianca Smith, who brought their three children, Brayden, Bailey and Beckett, students at Oak Chan Elementary School.
“The idea came together because summer is the best time to come to Tahoe,” Ben Smith said. “We wanted to give the kids the experience of seeing some athletes up close. Our kids are huge sports fans, especially our oldest, so we thought we’d come out, have some fun, enjoy the atmosphere and let the kids collect some autographs. We’ll probably do an adults-only trip next time and maybe alternate every other year between bringing the kids and making it a getaway for ourselves.”
For Brayden Smith, the highlight of the trip was meeting some of his favorite athletes and collecting autographs.
“It’s very fun. I got a lot of autographs and met a lot of new people,” Brayden said. “So far, my best autograph is Kyle Juszczyk’s because I’m a 49ers fan. On Hole 17 there is a lot of stuff to do, a basketball hoop and you can even get Uncrustablesfor free.”
Brayden also offered some advice for first-time attendees.
“I recommend staying in one place and getting autographs that way,” he said. “I would come all week if my parents allowed me.”
While the children enjoyed chasing autographs, Ben Smith said the tournament offered something for everyone.
“It’s beautiful weather, the celebrities are very accessible, and families are having a good time,” Smith said. “It’s highly recommended. We’re definitely coming back. Next time, maybe I’ll leave the kids at home and boat over to the 17th hole, but it’s absolutely worth the trip.”
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, tournament organizers anticipate another successful year as fans gather along the course to watch the action and interact with some of sports and entertainment’s biggest names.
