Charles Barkley isn’t sure how well he will play at the upcoming American Century Championship, July 9-14 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. But the outspoken Hall of Fame basketball player doesn’t really care. Visiting Tahoe in July is still his favorite week all year.
Barkley will once again bring his oversized personality, good nature and tortured golf swing to the American Century Championship. It will be his 24th appearance in 30 years and his annual pilgrimage to escape the bottom or near bottom of the 54-hole tournament leaderboard. Dave Cudney, Harrah’s and Harveys Sports Book Manager, has 6,000-to-1 odds on Barkley winning.
“I look forward to coming to Tahoe every year. It’s the first event I put on my schedule. I’ll play golf every day until Tahoe,” Barkley said in early June.
The fans show their appreciation, annually supporting Barkley with the largest galleries in tribute to his entertaining demeanor and gratitude for his philanthropy. Barkley personally donated $190,000 to regional causes after the tragic Angora Fire of 2007 and has played a prominent role in tournament fundraising, which now exceeds $5 million.
“The fans are amazing,” he said.
The tournament offers a purse of $600,000, with $125,000 to the winner. The 54-hole competition will test the golf skills of 90 stars from sports and entertainment. The tournament will be televised live by NBC and NBCSN from Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, its home since the 1990 inaugural. TV times are noon on Friday (July 12), Saturday and Sunday, July 14. Additional coverage will be provided by Golf Channel through the course of the week.
Also playing this year is defending champion Tony Romo, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the field of Hall of Famers, All-Stars. Also playing are Stephon and Dell Curry, Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, Larry The Cable Guy, Vince Carter, Roger Clemens, Herm Edwards, Tom Glavine, Trevor Hoffman, Greg Maddux, Mike Modano, Mark Mulder, John O’ Hurley, TJ Oshie, Carson Palmer, Patrick Peterson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Ivan Rodriguez, Jeremy Roenick, Ray Romano, Mark Rypien, Bret Saberhagen, Sterling Sharpe, Ozzie Smith, Brian Urlacher, Shane Victorino, Jack Wagner, Charles Woodson and Steve Young.
Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history, Barkley is a five-time All-NBA First-Team selection and 11-time All Star who’s followed his Hall of Fame career with an Emmy Award-winning television stint as an NBA analyst on TNT.
Barkley has become a pop culture figure for his humor, controversial opinions, humility and humanity. The charismatic superstar is more an “everyman” with the natural ability to connect with people with his genuine, take-a-stand style on subjects from basketball, politics as well as social issues.
His immense popularity at the American Century Championship is based on his willingness to put his unsolvable golf swing on public display despite the disparagement from various corners. He’s won the allegiance of locals with his gregarious personality – through his banter with spectators, and a willingness to sign autographs and take selfies all while good-naturedly panning his own golf shortcomings.
A season pass ticket good for all six days is available for $70 for Tuesday through Sunday access. Daily tickets are $20 per day Tuesday through Thursday and $30 per day for competitive rounds Friday through Sunday. Two kids 10-years-old and younger receive free admission with one paying adult.
Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/ACC19Tickets.
