Tolliver Claims His Third Celebrity Event Crown at Lake Tahoe

Billy Joe Tolliver, a former professional quarterback, was never challenged Sunday and claimed his third title at the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Tolliver scored 26 points in the final round and finished with a record total 84 points, 19 points ahead of actor Jack Wagner and athletes John Elway, Tony Romo and John Smoltz, who were in a four-way tie for second place with 65 points.

The event uses a Stableford scoring format; with 6 points awarded for an eagle, 3 for a birdie and 1 for a par.

Tolliver, who also won the event in 1996 and 2005, was the 36-hole leader at 58 points, 11 points ahead of Wagner. But it was Elway who got the closest to Tolliver on Sunday, pulling to within 70-61 (9 points) after the first nine holes. But, no one got closer.

“My goal was to get to 25 points every day,” said Tolliver, who won $125,000 for the win. “I knew if I shot a 68 or so, it would be hard for someone to catch me. I didn’t miss anything inside 4 feet for three days.”

For the record, Tolliver shot a 69 and only made one bogey, at the 7^th hole. His best hole of the day was his last, where the long-hitting Tolliver boomed a 373-yard drive to leave just a sand wedge to the 501-yard par 5. His approach stopped four feet away and he made the eagle putt.

“After I missed my birdie putt on the third hole, I knew I was kind of playing for second place,” said Wagner, who was paired with Tolliver.

“He wasn’t going to back up with as well as he was playing,” said Elway, who slipped out of solo second with a double bogey on the final hole. “I kidded Tony (Romo) that if we made a couple double eagles down the stretch, we might have a chance.”

The American Century Championship has been held at Edgewood Tahoe for 21 years, and it is the longest running celebrity event in golf. The event set an attendance record of 37,550 for the three days.

Tolliver Takes Second-Round Lead at American Century Championship

Lake Tahoe, Nev. -- Two-time winner Billy Joe Tolliver, a former NFL quarterback, made six birdies and an eagle on his way to scoring a record 33 points Saturday. Tolliver took an 11-point lead over actor Jack Wagner after two rounds of the American Century Championship at the Edgewater Tahoe Golf Course. The event uses a Stableford scoring system, with 6 points for each eagle, 3 for each birdie and a point for each par.

The long-hitting Tolliver overtook the first-round leaders with three birdies over the first four holes. His stroke play score was a 6-under-par 66.

“I’m trying to score 25 points every day,” said Tolliver, who won the celebrity event in 1996 and 2005. “If I get that Sunday, someone will have to do something ridiculous to catch me. But nothing is safe out here. I know I can’t shoot bogey-free, so if I don’t make a couple birdies, people can still catch me. I have to take advantage of the birdie holes again tomorrow.”

Wagner, who shared the first-round lead with former NHL player Jeremy Roenick, birdied the last hole to finish with 21 points Saturday and a 47-point total.

“If I can get 33 points, a lot of these guys out here can get 33 points,” said Tollilver. “The difference today for me was that I made the putts and Jack (Wagner) just missed by the slightest bit. I also got all the par 5s.”

Dan Quinn, another former hockey player, is in third place with 46 points, and Hall-of-Fame quarterback John Elway was another point back with 45 points.

“If I can’t catch him, it’s okay with me if we keep the winner in the quarterback fraternity,” said Elway.

Defending champion Rick Rhoden is well back with 35 points. Crowd favorite Charles Barkley is in last place with -59 points.

Jared Allen Combines Knickers and Sandals for a Special Look

Jared Allen is an All-Pro defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings who makes his living throwing quarterbacks to the ground. So, he was having a hard time keeping his hands off the more than a dozen current and former professional quarterbacks who are playing in the American Century Championship this weekend.

“Those Prima Donnas,” said Allen laughing during his lackluster second round.

“I had it in red (positive) numbers for a second or two yesterday,” said Allen, who daringly wore a pair of red and while plaid knickers with high white stockings and flip-flops for golf shoes on Friday. Okay, take a few seconds to picture that look!

His caddie and friend said he turned to the sandals after losing too many pairs of golf shoes along the way. It looks kind of funny, no doubt. Saturday, he wore white khakis while the only pair of knickers he had were being cleaned.

“I think this is the first time I’ve ever worn long pants on a golf course,” said Allen.

Allen’s self-deprecating fashion style is a hoot, but no one dared laugh at the big man. His golf game is something to laugh at, at times, however; although he did birdie the short par-4 10^th on Saturday.

“I’m just trying to preserve what little dignity I have left out here,” he told the rest of his group – Marcus Allen and Ray Allen -- as they teed off on the 11^th hole.

By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.

Charles Barkley a Fan Favorite in Every Way

The best bet in Nevada this weekend might be betting against Charles Barkley making a birdie at the American Century Championship.

In Friday’s first round of the 54-hole event that is using a Stableford scoring system, Barkley made just two pars and had the worst score of the 84 celebrities in the field. The leaders pointed 26 first-round points; Barkley was going the other way at minus 28.

Things got even more interesting than usual when he came to the par-3 seventh hole.

A fan challenged him to hit the green on a $50 wager.

“What am I going to do with $50,” quipped the always entertaining Barkley.

“Okay, $200,” said the fan, knowing a solid wager when he saw it.

Predictably, Barkley missed the green and dropped two one-hundred dollar bills on the tee box for the lucky fan as he walked off toward the green to make a double bogey 5.

by Craig Smith, former director of media relations at the U.S. Golf Association.

First Round is in the books!

After a brief delay due to a thunderstorm, the first round of the American Century Championship is in the books! 2 time Celebrity Champion, Billy Joe Tolliver held the early lead in the clubhouse with a 2 under par round of 70 scoring a total of 25 points for the day. Tolliver carded 5 birdies in his round each worth 3 points in this stableford scoring system. The lead was then given up to 2006 Celebrity Champion, Actor Jack Wagner and former NHL Star, Jeremy Reonick. Both Wagner and Roenick scored 26 points both posting rounds of 69.

Surprise round of the day was turned in by former MLB Pitcher and tournament rookie, Mark Mulder. Mulder also fired a 3 under par round of 69, but scored only 24 points leaving him tied for fourth with former NFL QB Vinny Testaverde. Testaverde eagled the par 4 second hole earning him an extra 6 points for the day.

The usual suspects of Rick Rhoden, Dan Quinn and Tony Romo are not far behind the leaders. Quinn is just a birdie behind and Rhoden and Romo are just an eagle behind.

Geoff Burke

Tahoecelebritygolf.com

Friday’s Marquis Pairing is Jordan, Romo and Allen

If you are looking for a “happening” on Friday in Lake Tahoe, Nev., you can join the crowd on the first tee with the marquis celebrity grouping of Michael Jordan, Tony Romo and Ray Allen.

The three superstars will tee it up at 10:10 a.m. (PDT) in the first round of the 54-hole American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Stableford scoring will be used for the tournament, with increasingly more points awarded for better holes. Rick Rhoden, a former MLB pitcher, is the two-time defending champion.

Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles on his way to becoming one of the most recognizable sports figures of all-time. Romo climbed into the starting quarterback role with the Dallas Cowboysthree years ago and threw for six 300-yard games last season while leading his team to the NFC East Division title. And Allen is a career 20-point scorer and nine-time All-Star who led the Boston Celtics to an NBA title in 2008 and the NBA Finals in 2010.

But, who is the best golfer of the three. Tony Romo.

By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association

Golfer By Day, Rascal Flatts Guitarist By Night

Joe Don Rooney, a guitarist and harmony vocalist for the vastly popular country band Rascal Flatts, came to Lake Tahoe, Nev., this week for a two-night sold-out music tour stop at one of the leading casinos in town. But, the 34-year-old got even more than he bargained for.

He’s as happy as he can be with a chance to play in the American Century Championship as well. He’s swinging his golf sticks as a celebrity in the day and playing his guitar at night. And that’s just the way he likes it.

“I try to play golf every day,” says the 34-year-old Rooney, who calls himself an honest 8-handicapper. “I belong at Sage Valley near Aiken, S.C. I’m when I’m in Nashville, I’ll try to play at least three times a week as well.”

Rooney and his band mates Gary Levox and Jay Demarcus have captured the essence of the modern country music sound since coming together in 1999. Rascal Flatts’ new album, “Unstoppable,” is the band’s latest album to be a chart-topper.

“This is the best group of songs we’ve had,” says Rooney, who took up golf with his father at age 13. “The great thing is that every song here means something deeply to us.”

Rascal Flatts’ next stop is next Thursday in Wichita, Kan., before moving to arenas in more of the Midwest and Eastern United States. Those big crowds don’t make him nervous in the least. But, he’s already getting nervous being on the first tee this weekend.

“I’m not sure what my tee times are as yet, but I know I have to be back at the hotel for a meet-and-greet each night by 7:30 p.m.,” says Rooney. “The shows start at 9 p.m.”

by Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association

What a Stupid Question that was

It’s so different to see some professional athletes out of uniform. I’ll bet some of you didn’t even know golfer Jim Furyk is almost bald. You are so used to seeing him in that golf cap.

Me, I didn’t recognize Brett Hull in golf attire even when he was one of hockey’s top scorers.

It was 2001, and I was dining at an Outback Steakhouse in the Pinehurst, N.C., area. I met Joe Stansberry, an accomplished amateur golfer from Minnesota, who was there with a bunch of his friends on a golf vacation. He introduced me to his buddies, and that’s how I met Brett Hull.

Not looking as intimidating as I thought a hockey star might, I dared to ask a question that haunts me to this day. “What do you do,” I asked?

“I play hockey”, he said, without making me feel the slightest bit embarrassed.

I felt like the guy in the airline commercial who “wants to get away.”

After all, he was in the midst of a brilliant 20-year career, and following in the footsteps of his famous father, Bobby. The 45-year-old Hull retired in 2006, with 741 goals and 1,391 points. At one time, was the top scorer in the NHL and he played on a Stanley Cup title team. Today, he is executive vice president of the Dallas Stars of the NHL.

This week, however, Hull is among the celebrities playing for a $125,000 first prize at the American Century Championship playing in a 54-hole Stableford event at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nev. And his Dallas friend, golf instructor Hank Haney, likes his chances.

He made a couple thousand dollars last year, and a 14-year best of $17,503 in 2008.

“I’m patient with crossword puzzles but I’m the most impatient golfer,” Hull has said in the past. “I’m still that way, but I’m a better putter now,” said Hull. “Anybody can hit it, but I really just learned to putt after I’ve been playing the game for 20 years.”

by Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association

Hull Says “It Counts to Me”

Brett Hull walked to the 17^th tee knowing that he had already completed his practice round Tuesday, having started with his amateur partners on the par-3 17^th hole earlier in the day. But, he couldn’t resist.

His 8-iron from 165 yards away found the hole for an apparent hole-in-one. But wait! It wasn’t official, since his round was already complete. He’d have to continue and go another 18 holes to make it official.

Not according to Hull.

“It counts to me, and that’s my seventh,” said one of the all-time leading scorers in the NHL, who didn’t begin playing golf until in his 20s.

by Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association

Hank Haney Chooses Tahoe Over British Open

Hank Haney hasn’t missed a British Open in more than 30 years. But, this week he’s in Lake Tahoe, Nev., to play in the American Century Championship with more than 80 celebrities instead of coaching Tiger Woods over the terrain at St. Andrews.

Haney and Woods parted company last month, closing the door on the high-profile relationship that lasted six years. Still, he is rooting for Woods after the world’s top player finished in the top 5 in the first two major championships of the year.

“I think he’s ready to win this week,” said Haney, still in support of his former student who he visited in Ireland last week. “He’s the best player in the world playing on his favorite golf course.”

But Haney is certain that it will be Woods’ putting that will make the difference for him this week. If Woods doesn’t three-putt, he wins almost 85 percent of the time, according to telling statistics kept by Woods’ caddie Steve Willliams.

In the meantime, Haney will turn his attention to former students Charles Barkley and Ray Romano, both in the field here at Tahoe this week. And Haney’s in the field too, playing the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course for only the second time on Thursday before play starts in earnest.

“I’ve always been busy this week, but it feels kind of nice to be here,” said Haney. “I’ve heard so much about it.”

Haney has coached more than 200 professional golfers in his time, but there will be no more. For Haney, coaching the best player in the world is a good place to end.

By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association

Wednesday July 14, 2010

Another picture perfect day in Lake Tahoe. Celebrities including the likes of Actor Jack Wagner, Nascar Driver Dale Jarrett and former NFL All-Pro QB Vinny Testeverde are out on the course sharpening their golf skills. Most of the crowds however are following the twosome of NBA Legend Michael Jordan and Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo. Romo and Jordan teed off around 9 o'clock this morning. I think Romo wants to get into MJ's wallet or is it the other way around. I guess we will find out later. A couple of Olympic gold medalists are playing together today. Gold medal speed skater Dan Jansen tees off with 1980 Olympic Hockey Captain Mike Eruzione.

Harrah's Casino also holds their Celeb-Am this afternoon. How cool would it be to play with the likes of Jerome Bettis or Greg Maddux. Today is a great day to take photos and get autographs of your favorite celebrities. Or you could always hang out on the beach at the par 3 17th green were there is always a party going on.

Geoff Burke

Tahoecelebritygolf.com

July 13, 2010

The 2010 American Century Championship is officially under way. The Lake Tahoe Celeb-Am kicked off the event this morning with celebrities such as 8 time champion Rick Rhoden, 2 time champion Billy Joe Tolliver and the inaugural champion Mark Rypien. Other celebrities playing this morning were former NHL All-Star Brett Hull, former MLB Pitcher John Smoltz and former NFL Running Back Marshall Faulk. The pre tournament action is a great time to get up close and personnel with your favorite celebrities during their practice rounds.

The tournament officially starts on Friday with celebrities enjoying a Modified Stableford scoring system. Players accumulate points for their scores on each hole. An eagle will earn a player 6 points, a birdie 3 points, par gets you 1 point, bogey equals 0 points and double bogey or worse receives -2 points. Winning scores usually end up in the 60 to 70 point total range. This year's favorites include Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, 4 time champion Dan Quinn and NHL Hall of Fame Goaltender Grant Fuhr.

The weather forecast is absolutely perfect for Lake Tahoe all week. If you have a chance get on up here and cheer for your favorite celebrity. This really is the Superbowl of celebrity sports.

Geoff Burke

Tahoecelebritygolf.com

AMERICAN CENTURY CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE: FREE ONLINE GOLF GAME

Play Edgewood Tahoe Back Nine to Win a VIP Trip to 2011 Tournament

NBC Sports, the American Century Championship and World Golf Tour have created a virtual experience that allows gamers to play the back nine at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, home of the annual celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe.

• Visit www.nbcsports.com/tahoe to play the ACC Challenge


• Play the video game unlimited number of times, July 2 – 31


• After playing the game, make sure you register for your chance to win great prizes


• All winners will be selected at random. Grand prize include a week-long VIP trip to the 2011


• American Century Championship: VIP tickets, celebrity parties, lodging and airfare


• Ten winners at random will receive ACC Gift Bag: golf shirts, hats, carry bag, golf balls and more


• The American Century Championship, the celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe (www.TahoeCelebrityGolf.com), stages 82 sports and entertainment stars and Hall of Famers as they compete in a 54-hole, $600,000 tournament on NBC Sports, July 16-18. Celebrities include: Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Ray Romano, Bode Miller, Troy Aikman, Jerry Rice, Don Cheadle, John Elway and Taylor Hicks


• For the fifth consecutive year, the official tournament charity is LIVESTRONG

For printable PDF version of press release visit: American Century Championship Challenge.

Tournament title sponsor American Century Investments is a leading privately controlled investment management firm serving investment professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors.

“The game is so realistic that players will feel like the celebrities they watch during the telecast playing at Edgewood Tahoe,” said Gary Quinn, director of business development for NBC Sports. “They just won’t get their feet wet along No. 17, the signature lakefront par 3.”

www.TahoeCelebrityGolf.com

www.NBCSports.com

www.WorldGolfTour.com

www.edgewoodtahoe.com

www.TahoeSouth.com
www.livestrong.org

Through its ownership structure, more than 40 percent of company profits support research to help find cures for genetically-based diseases including cancer, diabetes and dementia.

For the fifth consecutive year, the official tournament charity is LIVESTRONG - the organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Since the tournament’s inception in 1990, more than $3 million has been raised for a variety of national and local charities.