Athletes at the 34th annual American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe thrilled the crowd on Thursday.
Perhaps none more than former NBA superstar and TV sports analyst Charles Barkley — who made a prediction on the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming season.
“They had a great year this year,” he told The Sacramento Bee. “They’re going to be better next year.”
The American Century Championship kicks off on Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course with many of the sports world’s biggest stars on hand.
Also a charity fundraiser, the tournament has a $600,000 purse, with $125,000 going to the winner. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and NFL commentator Tony Romo is the defending champion.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also mingled with spectators, posed for pictures and signed autographs, video by The Bee’s Hector Amezcua shows.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who played high school football in the Central Valley city of Firebaugh, putts on the 15th hole during practice rounds for the American Century Golf celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., on Thursday. The tournament’s first round kicks of today at 7:45 a.m. This year’s tournament features current and retired pro athletes such as Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Annika Sorenstam and Charles Barkley along with entertainment figures such as Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost, wrestling star The Miz and country music singer Jake Owen.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley follows through during the final practice round on Thursday, July 13, 2023, for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
Actor/comedian Larry the Cable Guy reacts on Thursday, July 13, 2023, to his shot on the 18th hole during the final practice round for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr reacts Thursday, July 13, 2023, to a practice shot on the 17th hole at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen waits to take his shot on Thursday, July 13, 2023, during the practice round of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley listens to fans on Thursday, July 13, 2023 during the second and final practice round of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley signs autographs on Thursday, July 13, 2023 during the final practice round for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
Golf fans walk along the beach on Thursday, July 13, 2023 as celebrities get in their final practice round for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
World champion boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez picks up his ball on Thursday, July 13, 2023, on the 17th hole during his final practice round of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
Fans watch celebrities take final practice round for the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield putts during a practice round on Thursday, July 13, 2023 for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo acknowledges fans on Thursday, July 13, 2023, during a practice round at the 18th hole during the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
former Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo walks off the course on Thursday, July 13, 2023 after a practice round at 18th hole during the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
The sun sets on Lake Tahoe as boats float on Thursday, July 13, 2023, as celebrities take their final practice rounds for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
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