More than 90 sports and entertainment celebrities are competing at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course this weekend in the 2024 American Century Championship—and raising a lot of money for charity in the process.
American Century Investments, the title sponsor of the American Century Championship since 1999, continues its 26-year philanthropic 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 raised nearly $8 million for local and national nonprofits. In addition to the Stowers Institute and local Tahoe charities, the 2024 tournament will benefit the Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation, Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s foundation for children’s wellbeing. Founded in 2019, Eat.Learn.Play. supports children with access to nutritious meals, quality reading resources and opportunities to play and be active.
“We are a top global money manager that directs over 40% of our profits each year to medical research, so when you invest with us, you also invest in the future of others. That’s the spirit we bring as title sponsor of the American Century Championship: let’s have a good time for a good cause,” said Erik Schneberger, chief marketing officer of American Century.
‘Beat the Bot’ a new addition
New at this year’s tournament is a “Beat the Bot” charity challenge benefiting the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
The “Beat the Bot” event took place during the July 11 celebrity-amateur scramble tournament practice round, where competitors could compete with a robot in a tee shot challenge or play the robot’s ball. American Century donated $500 for each shot that beats the bot, up to $25,000, to the Stowers Institute, a world-class biomedical research organization dedicated to defeating life-threatening diseases. American Century has provided over $2 billion to the institute since 2000 by directing over 40% of its profits to medical research.
Instead of trying to beat the bot, which replicates the swing dynamics of human golfers and is used by major golf companies to test new equipment, players could make a donation to the Stowers Institute and opt to play the robot’s ball rather than their own.
Fantasy golf contest awards $10K to winner’s charity of choice
American Century also returns its popular American Century Championship Fantasy Golf Contest for this year’s event, where championship play began Friday. Up until midnight on July 11, fans were allowed to build their teams at www.accfantasygolf.com for a chance to win one of four trips for two to next year’s tournament and $10,000 for a charity of their choice. Participants picked their starting team of five players from the more than 80 sports legends and celebrities competing in the prestigious tournament, being televised by NBC and streaming on Peacock this weekend.
“In addition to our ‘Beat the Bot’ challenge for those playing in beautiful Lake Tahoe, we are bringing the tournament to fans everywhere with the American Century Fantasy Golf Contest. It is easy to join, fun to play and you’ll have a chance to win $10,000 for your favorite charity,” Schneberger said in a pre-tournament press release.
Kelce brothers among headliners
The 2024 American Century Championship lineup boasts newcomer Jason Kelce, the recently retired, future Hall of Fame football player. He is joined by his brother, Taylor Swift boyfriend Travis Kelce, the tight end for the 2024 Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs, who has been playing in Lake Tahoe since 2019.
In addition to the Kelce brothers, the tournament field represents a collection of Hall of Famers, All-Pros, All-Stars and fan favorites including Charles Barkley (at 7500-1 the longest longshot to win the event), Tony Romo, Josh Allen, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, John Elway, Ray Allen, DeMarcus Ware, Baker Mayfield, Kyle Lowry, Brian Urlacher, Charles Woodson, Canelo and Larry Fitzgerald. Entertainers include Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Nate Bargatze, Ray Romano, Don Cheadle, Carson Daly, Jake Owen, Larry the Cable Guy, Rob Riggle, and Brian Baumgartner.
A popular prop bet on the tournament is whether or not Charles Barkley (at 7500-1 the longest longshot to win the event) can crack the top 75 finishers. Bettors who believe he will can win $125 for each $100 wagered on the “yes” proposition while those who believe he will not must risk $155 to win $100.
Previous tournament winners are NBA All-Star Steph Curry, 3-time champions Tony Romo and former MLB pitcher Mark Mulder, two-time winner Jack Wagner, plus Mardy Fish and Vinny Del Negro. Golden State Warriors guard Curry, last year’s champion, will not be in the tournament as he preparing for the Paris Summer Olympics as a member of Team USA.
The tournament is famous for its par-3 17th hole (pictured above), a party environment featuring hundreds of boats in the water and thousands of spectators along the beach at Edgewood. Fans throw footballs and basketballs to the celebrity players, and a portable basketball hoop is set up so the celebs can attempt some long-distance shots before teeing off.
The American Century Championship can be streamed live on Peacock (July 12-14) and NBC (July 13-14), with an encore presentation of the first round July 12 on the Golf Channel. To follow and join the tournament action use #ACCgolf on social media, and catch exclusive content on American Century Championship’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
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