Kyle Lowry, the Philadelphia 76ers guard, recently participated in the Truist Championship pro-am at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in May. His presence marks a significant connection between basketball and golf, especially as he heads into the American Century Championship—an annual celebrity charity golf tournament taking place at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada.
This year’s championship showcases an entertaining wager between Travis Kelce and his friend Patrick Bacon, adding a lighthearted touch to the competitive atmosphere. Kelce challenged Bacon to lose 25 pounds before Tahoe, promising a $10,000 reward for success. If Bacon fails, he’ll be required to dress as a member of the Blue Man Group during the tournament. Fans can look out for a caddie painted blue if that bet is not met.
The American Century Championship is a unique event that combines charity with celebrity, attracting over 90 athletes and stars, including local Philadelphia figures such as Jason Kelce, Charles Barkley, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins. The tournament, which uses a modified Stableford scoring format, emphasizes the fun and camaraderie of golf, where a higher score is actually more beneficial.
With a total purse of $750,000, participating golfers are motivated not just by the prize money, but also the opportunity to support the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, as all tournament proceeds go to charity.
Events kick off today with a celebrity-am team format, but the official rounds will take place from Friday to Sunday, broadcast live on Peacock and NBC. This year’s championship is not only a showcase of athletic talent but a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for important causes while enjoying the sport of golf with some of the biggest names in entertainment and athletics.