The American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with former San Jose Shark hockey player Joe Pavelski running away from the competition on the back nine holes to win his first ACC Championship. After several close calls including finishing in the top three for the last three years, Pavelski pocketed $150,000 in prize money on both his 41st birthday and 17th wedding anniversary weekend.
“I don’t know what to say, actually,” stated Pavelski, who finished with 74 points nice ahead of second place John Smoltz. “But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.” After collecting his trophy and doing an NBC interview, Pavelski and some family and friends took the traditional plunge into chilly Lake Tahoe fully clothed.
Although the players are pretty competitive over the weekend, the tournament is really all about some good ‘ole fashioned family fun and raising money for charities. Since it’s inception, the ACC has raised over $8 million for numerous charities. 77,049 fans attended the tournament this year setting a new attendance for the ever-popular event.
Tickets sold out early for Friday and Saturday’s portion of the competition. There were plenty of Folsom families that made the quick 1 hour and 45-minute drive up Highway 50 to watch the tournament and get a picture, autograph or maybe just a fist bump from a celebrity favorite.
Folsom resident Jeff Dreher, who also coaches in the Vista Jr. Eagles football program has brought his family up to the tournament for 3 of the last 5 years. “Our favorite part of the tournament was watching our son Jaxon see some of his favorite athletes up close and having the opportunity to get pictures and autographs with them,” Dreher said. Jaxon landed the picture he really wanted, with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Folsom Times photos by Bryan Greenwalt
“I felt so excited and in disbelief to actually meet Tony Romo. I’ve watched a lot of his highlights when he played so meeting him in person was the best. He was a great quarterback on my favorite team (Dallas Cowboys). I couldn’t believe how nice he was to me,” Jaxon commented.
Dreher’s family and a few other Folsom families split their time between the 17th tee area and the 7th green all day on Thursday during the Pro-Am part of the tournament. Due to smaller crowds and less formal competition, regulars have found out that this is the nest time to meet players and get that elusive autograph. Sometimes it’s a matter of how busy it is and if the player just hit a great shot before you ask.
Candace Dowd of Folsom went to the tournament one day last year with her husband, but this year they decided to bring the whole family up for the entire week. “Our 12-year-old twins had the best time. Ethan got Steph Curry to sign a shoe and Collin’s highlight was meeting 49ers tight end George Kittle and we all loved seeing the GOAT Jerry Rice,” said Dowd.
With the summer coming to an end and the youth football season starting this week, spending some time with friends at the tournament is becoming a popular choice for many youth and teenagers. Some of Jaxson’s friends from Folsom, Mason and Ledger Danz, Ethan and Collin Dowd and Jake and Luke Shifflet joined him as they trekked around the course throughout the weekend. “Being up there with my friends meeting all the players was fun and a memory we will always say we did together,” said Jaxon.
Edgewood Golf Course near Stateline will once again host the American Celebrity Championships next summer from July 8-12, 2026. Tickets usually go on sale April 1 but check the ACC website (www.americancenturychampionship.com) around Christmas time for occasional deals on week long passes that would double as a great holiday present for the family. Hotels book up early as well with the popularity of the tournament. Escape the summer heat next year and enjoy a fun filled week at the tournament your family, you won’t be disappointed!
