The American Century Championship, widely regarded as the premier event in celebrity golf, is set to return to the scenic Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe from July 10 through July 12. The tournament brings together a diverse field of sports legends, entertainers, and public figures, all competing under a unique scoring system that rewards aggressive play and birdie-making over conservative strategy.
Unlike traditional stroke play, the American Century Championship employs a Modified Stableford scoring system. Under this format, players earn points for each hole based on their score relative to par. An albatross is worth 10 points, a hole-in-one earns eight points, an eagle is worth six points, a birdie is worth three points, a par is worth one point, a bogey earns zero points, and anything two over par or worse results in a minus-two point penalty. This system encourages participants to take risks and go for birdies and eagles rather than playing it safe for pars.
Last year, former NHL star Joe Pavelski claimed the title with 73 points, finishing ahead of a competitive field. World Series champion John Smoltz finished second with 64 points, country singer Jake Owen placed third with 62 points, former USMNT soccer star Taylor Twellman came in fourth with 61 points, and Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry rounded out the top five with 58 points. Smoltz, a veteran of the tournament, told Fox News Digital that his slow starts have often forced him to play catch-up in later rounds. He noted that he once made 29 consecutive pars in a single tournament, which he described as frustrating under the Stableford system because a par yields only one point. Smoltz emphasized the importance of making birdie putts, which are worth three times as many points as pars, and expressed regret that his birdie runs often come too late in the event.
LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam, who has yet to win the tournament, echoed Smoltz's sentiment about the need for an aggressive approach. Sörenstam, a 72-time LPGA winner, told Fox News Digital that her professional career was built on consistency in stroke play, but the Stableford format requires a different mindset. She said she aims to be more aggressive to earn points through birdies and eagles, even though that style does not come naturally to her. Sörenstam remains a fan favorite and is among the contenders expected to challenge for the title this year.
The tournament field includes several other notable names considered among the favorites. Former NFL star Adam Thielen, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, and Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry are all expected to draw significant attention. Country singer Jake Owen, who finished third last year, also returns with a strong chance. The event has grown into a major social and competitive gathering, with many participants praising the atmosphere. Minnesota Twins legend Joe Mauer told Fox News Digital that the tournament does an excellent job of bringing together good people and quality golf, adding that it makes participants feel like they are on the PGA Tour for a week.
This year marks the 37th edition of the American Century Championship, and Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann has played in 36 of them. Theismann, now 76, noted that his handicap has risen from a 2 to a 9 as his driving distance has decreased, but he still considers the event a can't-miss experience. He described the tournament as a unique opportunity to measure one's game against other celebrities and to connect with people he admires from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Theismann said he enjoys visiting with fellow competitors on the practice range, mentioning Jerry Rice, Tony Romo, and actor Miles Teller as individuals he has enjoyed conversations with. He called himself a fan of Teller's work, particularly the film "Top Gun: Maverick," which he described as his favorite movie of all time.
ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas, who has participated in the tournament for several years, compared receiving an invitation to the American Century Championship to a PGA Tour player being invited to the Masters. Bilas told Fox News Digital that he was thrilled when first invited and continues to be amazed that he is asked back each year. He praised the setting at Edgewood Resort in Lake Tahoe, noting the beautiful scenery and the enthusiastic crowds of about 70,000 spectators who attend in shorts and sundresses, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The tournament has become a staple of the summer sports calendar, blending high-level golf with celebrity culture. The Modified Stableford scoring system ensures that the competition remains exciting, as players must take risks to accumulate points. With a field that includes Hall of Fame athletes, current stars, and entertainers, the 2025 American Century Championship promises to deliver both drama and entertainment on the shores of Lake Tahoe.