2021 American Century Championship celebrity golf tourney returns, this time with fans invited
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 05/13/2021 - 8:19am
Event Date:
Repeats every month until Sun Jul 11 2021 .
July 7, 2021 (All day) 
Sports and entertainment superstars will take center stage July 7-11, at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, with fans returning after last year’s attendance restrictions, once again playing a major role in the production.
Leading roles will be assumed by Justin Timberlake, Tony Romo, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Charles Barkley, with a star-studded cast of 80 acclaimed celebrities competing for $600,000 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course during the 32nd annual edition aired on NBC.
Tickets will go on sale, online beginning Monday, May 17 at AmericanCenturyChampionship.com. Last year’s tournament was safely conducted albeit without spectators amidst the global pandemic.
The entire purse of $600,000 was donated to COVID-19 and social justice charities while the event fulfilled its commitment to promote the Lake Tahoe region in what is the destination resort’s biggest week of the year. This July’s mega-hit anticipates the return to a semblance of normalcy as organizers work with state, regional and health authorities for spectator access — estimated at half the 60,000 fans who typically line the fairways as well as lakeside in boats next to the famed 17th hole.
Multiple precautions will be taken by event officials and sponsors to ensure health and safety for all participants and attendees. Lake Tahoe tourism authorities have enacted various “Know Before You Go” protocols as well as the Lake Tahoe Take Care Travel Pledge to reinforce mindful and responsible travel efforts.
Tickets will only be available online and only in advance. To promote social distancing and avoid lines, gate sales during tournament week have been suspended. Tickets are $30 each day, for the practice round Wednesday, the Celebrity-Am Thursday, and for each round of the 54-hole tournament Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fans can purchase up to four tickets each, allowing for more equitable public distribution.
An adult purchasing a ticket can bring in one child, ten and under, free. While the celebrities have indicated obvious enthusiasm for the return of fans, health precautions for everyone will preclude autographs, selfies, handshakes and fist bumps. Fans are asked to respect the necessary space and distance protocols in place.
A complimentary ticket will be available for military plus a guest on a tournament day of their choice. Pre-event registration will be required with details and a link announced June 1 on the tournament site: www.americancenturychampionship.com.
The battle for the 2021 title will include standout golfers like two-time champion Tony Romo, three-time winner Mark Mulder, PGA TOUR Champions exemption competitor John Smoltz and defending champion Mardy Fish, the U.S. Davis Cup Captain. Newcomers to the tournament are New Orleans Saints star Taysom Hill, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, two-time New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck, and former New York Yankees star pitcher CC Sabathia.
Newly retired future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees is among the contingent of 39 current or former NFL players, coaches and Hall of Famers who will tee it up. Active players Larry Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Fuller, Robbie Gould, Travis Kelce, Patrick Peterson, Golden Tate and Adam Thielen all play the event as a final respite before the opening of NFL training camps each year. All told, the field collectively represents 16 Hall of Famers, 13 Most Valuable Player awards and 15 Cy Young Awards.
The 54-hole competition will test the golf skills of more than 80 players, some of whom compete as amateurs and donate their prize money to tournament charities. The American Century Championship has donated over $5 million to non-profits throughout tournament history.
The tournament will be televised live by NBCSN Friday, July 9, 2:00-5:00pm PT; and on NBC Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30am – 3:00pm PT.
The 2021 American Century Championship will utilize the Modified Stableford format whereby points are awarded as follows: 10 for a double eagle, 8 for a hole in one, 3 for a birdie, 1 for par, 0 for bogey, and minus 2 for double bogey. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, a George Fazio design, has been rated by Golf Digest Magazine as one of “America’s Top 100 Golf Courses.”
American Century Investments, the title sponsor of the championship since 1998, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Lake Tahoe community.
For the latest details, photos, celebrity tweets and fan contests go to @ACChampionship on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/ACChampionship. For tournament information: AmericanCenturyChampionship.com.
For real time updates on events, promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and www.instagram.com/tahoesouth. Fans should use #TahoeSouth to share posts. For Tahoe South information: 1-800-288-2463 or www.tahoesouth.com.
