Charles Barkley participated in the first round of the American Century Championship on July 11, 2025, at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, marking his 30th year in this beloved celebrity golf event. During an interview on Peacock’s coverage, he expressed his excitement for the tournament, noting, “This is my 30th year. I look forward to coming here every year.”
Despite struggling with his game in previous tournaments, where he was often ranked at the bottom, Barkley impressively finished the first round tied for 24th among 90 competitors. He shot a score of 9-over-par 81, but within the tournament’s Modified Stableford scoring system, he earned nine points overall. This system awards points for various achievements, including 10 points for a double eagle and minus-2 for a double-bogey or worse.
Barkley highlighted a particular moment during his round when he holed out from 88 yards for an eagle on the second hole, which contributed significantly to his point total. “I had a great day today… I was very happy with the way I played today,” he said, attributing his performance to focusing more on his swing’s tempo. He explained, “Every time I try to hit the ball hard, bad stuff happens, so I told myself the last couple of weeks, ‘Just make a pass at it.’”
In comparison to last year’s performance, where he placed 58th, Barkley’s current showing represents a positive upswing. The tournament leader after the first round was former NHL player Joe Pavelski, with 23 points, while notable competitors like Stephen Curry from the NBA, who won the tournament in 2023, are also in strong contention.
This event not only allows athletes from different sports to showcase their skills in golf but effectively strengthens the bond between celebrities and fans as they compete in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Barkley’s enthusiasm and improvement on the course this year serve as an inspiration and demonstrate the power of persistence and dedication.