One of the most popular stars that annually plays in the celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe won’t be there this summer.
Stephen Curry will be lacing up his basketball shoes at the Olympics in Paris and setting his golf clubs aside this July, foregoing his title defense at the American Century Championship, the celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe. The tournament will take place July 12-14 at Edgewood Tahoe.
“I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title at the American Century Championship in Tahoe this summer, but the chance to represent my country and, hopefully, win an Olympic gold medal the first time at the 2024 Games in Paris is an opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” Curry said.
However, two other Currys will be in attendance at the annual event. Dell Curry, Stephen’s father, and his brother (Seth), will both be playing in the popular South Lake Tahoe golf event.
“Obviously, the tournament and our fans are as disappointed as Steph that he can’t be here, but representing our country at the Olympics and going for gold is a proud priority to support,” said Jon Miller, President, NBC Sports Acquisitions and Partnerships. “We look forward to having Steph defend his American Century title in 2025.” Curry won the 2023 championship with the same flair he’s displayed on the basketball court throughout his career. He carded four eagles in three days of tournament play, including a hole-in-one during the second round and a scintillating, clutch do-or-die, 18-foot putt on the final hole to capture the title.
In winning, Curry became the first active athlete in 23 years to claim the title (Al Del Greco, Tennessee Titans) and the first African-American in the tournament’s 35 years.
“I look forward to returning to the shores of Lake Tahoe and creating more memories next July and in subsequent years,” Curry said. “In the interim, I know that Dell and Seth will represent the Curry family well in my absence. But if one of them doesn’t come home with another trophy for our mantel, I will be highly disappointed!”
The three-day, 54-hole tournament awards a $750,000 purse, with $150,000 to the winner, plus a charity component for local and national non-profits. The 2024 American Century Championship will utilize the Modified Stableford format whereby points are awarded by score per hole.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, a George Fazio design, has been ranked among America’s top 100 courses by numerous golf publications through the years.
The tournament’s format and setting perfectly complement the informal Tahoe vibe, with players and gallery enjoying beachfront and mountain views between the action. Boats line the stretch of the course along the par 3, 17th hole, uniquely enhancing the party atmosphere.
Spectators positioned along the 17th hole enjoy good-natured bantering with the players as they slam dunk and shoot threes at the basketball hoop adjacent to the tee box and toss footballs and souvenirs to fans.
American Century Investments, the title sponsor of the championship since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated nearly $8 million to local and national non-profits.
For more information, accommodations, and events, see VisitLakeTahoe, or call 800 288-2463.
