Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care wins big during contest at celebrity golf tournament
Submitted by editor on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 12:57pm
The 17th hole at Edgewood Tahoe was the scene of the Korbel Hole-in-One contest Friday at the American Century Championship, bringing together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment to help raise money for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.
With a powerful drive, Duck Dynasty Star Willie Robertson landed 12 feet 1 inch away from the pin, taking home the victory for this fourth-annual competition. In honor of Robertson's win, The Korbel Toast Life Foundation donated $5,000 to the popular South Lake Tahoe non-profit who's main function is to care for orphaned and injured wild birds and animals in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin.
If any of the celebrities had a hole-in-one, LTWC would have won $125,000.
Dressed in a bear suit for the contest, LTWC co-founder Tom Millham had fun with the celebrities during the contest, even giving former NBA star Shane Battier a "bear hug" for luck.
Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority contacted Millham, telling him that they recommended a few local organizations to receive Korbel's donation. Tom had to submit information and then got the call to say the contest would benefit his agency.
"Next thing I know, we're chosen," said Millham.
Even though no one got the ace, there were many close shots. Following Robertson, Golf Channel Host Lisa Cornwell put her All-American golf champion skills to the test with a distance of 13 feet 9 inches from the pin. Coming in third with 14 feet 5 inches and not far off was Former MLB All-Star Pitcher David Wells.
Other entertainment idols competing for the win included Nine-Time Grammy Award winner Justin Timberlake, who won over the crowd with his smooth dance moves as he prepared to tee off. Comedians Larry the Cable Guy and Rob Riggle also had fans amused as their hilarious remarks provided a soundtrack to the afternoon. Season 19 Dancing with the Stars Champion Alfonso Ribeiro added to the excitement as he heckled with participants and stirred up the competition.
In addition, Former NFL Pro Bowl Champions Joe Theismann, A.J. Hawk and Mark Rypien exhibited fierce drives down the fairway to beat out the majority of competitors. Although he wasn't closest to the pin, Former NBA Forward Shane Battier was a fan favorite as he took his best shot at the Hole-in-One Champion title. Fans ultimately gave their support to Bush Center Wounded Warrior Champion Chad Pfeifer, last year's American Century Celebrity Golf Championship fifth place winner. Although Pfeifer was beat out by competitors, the crowd and other competitors gave him a standing ovation for his service to our country.
"The fourth-annual celebrity Hole-in-One competition is an opportunity to close out the first round with a lively, crowd pleasing contest to support a worthwhile cause like the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care and raise a glass to the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship," said Gary Heck, president of Korbel Champagne Cellars.
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