SOUTH LAKE TAHOE -The first competitive round of the American Century Championship begins Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, bringing together a star-studded field of athletes, entertainers and celebrities for one of the most popular events in sports.
The tournament runs through Sunday and features approximately 90 competitors vying for the championship along the shores of Lake Tahoe. Among the headline participants are NBA star Stephen Curry, former NHL standout Joe Pavelski, Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, NFL legends Charles Woodson and Jerry Rice, retired Eagles center Jason Kelce and numerous other sports and entertainment personalities.
The event uses a Modified Stableford scoring format, awarding points for birdies and better rather than simply counting strokes. Birdies are worth three points, eagles six and pars one point, encouraging aggressive play and creating a fan-friendly competition.
Practice rounds and pro-am activities earlier in the week drew large crowds, with fans gathering for autograph sessions and player interactions. Organizers expect strong attendance throughout the weekend as competitors take on the famed Edgewood Tahoe course against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
Demand for tickets has remained strong. Day passes for Friday and Saturday are sold out, though a limited number of full weekend passes remain available for $175 through the tournament’s official website.
For fan favorite Stephen Curry, the tournament has become a cherished family tradition. Curry reflected on attending the event as a young fan while watching his father, former NBA player Dell Curry, compete.
“This has got a full circle for me because I remember my dad playing this back when it was a stroke play, and I can’t remember what year,” Curry said. “I don’t know if he pissed anybody off, but he didn’t get invited back for a couple years. My rookie year I got to play with Ray Allen and Aaron Rodgers in the first round. I’m like, where am I? I watched these guys growing up.
“And then full circle now is, it’s such an unbelievable family experience for me, my dad, my brother. We look forward to this week. It’s kind of our great bonding time because we all live different places and we don’t see each other that often. And golf is the connection to all of it. So we make the most of this week. It’s amazing with our families being out here.”
Defending champion Joe Pavelski returns after capturing last year’s title and enters the tournament as one of the favorites. For Pavelski, however, the event represents much more than a golf competition.
“If I ever get invited to that, by some chance, I’m going. I don’t care what’s going on,” Pavelski said. “So, we went to the finals in 2016, and, yeah, a couple weeks before the tournament, got called and I was like, yep, I’m making that. I’ll be there. And then it’s just, you’re praying for an invite every year because it’s incredible. It’s my favorite week of the year.”
Pavelski’s comments reflect the tournament’s standing among professional athletes, many of whom view a trip to Lake Tahoe as a bucket-list experience. The combination of elite competition, breathtaking scenery and enthusiastic fans has helped make the American Century Championship one of the most sought-after invitations in celebrity sports.
As play begins Friday, Pavelski will look to defend his title while Curry and dozens of other celebrity competitors chase the championship in what promises to be another memorable weekend at Edgewood Tahoe. Keep checking back for more fun stories on the locals from the Folsom area that are attending this years tournament.
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