The American Century Championship returns to Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe from July 10-12, bringing a star-studded field and a format that rewards aggression. This celebrity tournament uses Modified Stableford scoring, meaning players earn points for birdies and eagles rather than counting total strokes — an approach that shifts strategy and creates dramatic swings across the three rounds.
American Century Championship at Edgewood
The American Century Championship at Edgewood is a three-day celebrity event played July 10-12 on the scenic Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. Expect familiar faces from sports, entertainment and media — and a lively fan presence on the shoreline and fairways. The lakeside holes and tight approaches at Edgewood often force players into risk-reward decisions amplified by the event’s scoring system.
Because the competition uses Modified Stableford, the standard defensive play of stroke play gives way to a more aggressive posture. Players who can convert birdie opportunities and capitalize on eagles gain outsized returns, which makes each day and each chase for momentum especially consequential.
How Modified Stableford scoring works
Modified Stableford awards points for each hole based on the score relative to par. The values used at this event are:
- Albatross: 10 points
- Hole-in-one: 8 points
- Eagle: 6 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Par: 1 point
- Bogey: 0 points
- Double bogey or worse: −2 points
Those point swings mean a single eagle or a run of birdies can vault a player up the leaderboard, while isolated bogeys are less costly than in traditional stroke play — until a double-bogey drop erases hard-won gains. The format rewards positive variance: missed putts that become pars still earn a point, but turning birdie chances into 3-point gains is the fastest path to the top.
Strategically, Modified Stableford encourages players to attempt riskier shots on reachable par-5s and aggressive approaches into drivable par-4s when the reward is a multi-point swing. Conversely, on short risk-reward holes, a conservative play that secures a point may be the smarter long-term plan if the danger of a −2 exists.
Players to watch and recent results
Last year’s leaderboard offers a snapshot of who’s likely to contend this week. According to Fox News Digital, Joe Pavelski won with 73 points; John Smoltz (64), Jake Owen (62), Taylor Twellman (61) and Steph Curry (58) rounded out the top five (Fox News Digital).
Short list of contenders
- Joe Pavelski — the defending champion and a consistent threat in this format thanks to steady iron play and short-game touch.
- John Smoltz — a runner-up who has spoken openly about the need to chase birdies under Stableford. He has said the format changes how he approaches early holes.
- Jake Owen — capable of long hot stretches; his ability to make consecutive birdies is a major asset here.
- Taylor Twellman — a recent top finisher who knows how to pace himself across three compact rounds.
- Steph Curry — length off the tee can create short approaches that translate into birdie opportunities when he heats up.
- Annika Sorenstam and Joe Theismann — experienced competitors who understand when to pick spots for aggression and when to consolidate points.
“I get off to a slow start… I make a ton of pars. It’s so frustrating… because you only get one point for a par.” — John Smoltz (as quoted by Fox News Digital)
Edgewood’s shoreline holes produce fan-friendly moments and often amplify putts near the green. Spectators can expect both technical golf and showmanship — a blend that has become the hallmark of the American Century Championship’s fan experience.
Charity impact and event legacy
The American Century Championship has a long charitable record. The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities over its history, a total that underscores the event’s philanthropic focus.
American Century Investments also supports research through a corporate commitment: the company donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. That charitable component remains central to the event’s legacy, with players and attendees frequently highlighting the fundraising alongside the competition.
The lakeside crowds and community engagement around Edgewood help sustain both ticket revenue and direct fundraising efforts tied to the American Century Championship, keeping the event notable on the celebrity-golf calendar.
What to expect this week
Key storylines to follow across the three rounds include leaderboard volatility driven by Modified Stableford, big names trying to balance aggression with consistency, and potential late-round rallies that can flip standings in a single hole.
- Three rounds: the compact schedule favors players who can build momentum quickly and convert birdie opportunities early.
- Aggression rewards birdies: chasing 3-point birdies and 6-point eagles is often the clearest path up the leaderboard.
- Broadcast and tickets: official event pages and broadcasters will list exact coverage windows and on-site ticketing details — check those sources for the latest schedules.
Expect dramatic leaderboard swings late on Sunday as players push for big-point holes. For many participants, the tournament remains as much about the experience and charity fundraising as it is about the trophy — but the Stableford scoring keeps the competition lively through the final putt.
Where to follow
Coverage windows vary by year and broadcaster. Fans can follow live updates via major sports pages, the event’s official channels and general news outlets carrying tournament reports. On-site attendees should consult the event schedule for exact tee times and hospitality details.
FAQ
When and where is the American Century Championship held this year?
The tournament is at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, July 10-12.
How does the Modified Stableford scoring system work?
Players earn points per hole: albatross 10, hole-in-one 8, eagle 6, birdie 3, par 1, bogey 0 and double bogey or worse −2. Higher total points determine the winner.
Who are the top returning players to watch?
Defending champion Joe Pavelski, John Smoltz, Jake Owen, Taylor Twellman and Steph Curry are among the players expected to contend, alongside veterans like Annika Sorenstam and Joe Theismann.
Visual notes embedded in coverage often highlight the lakefront setting and the player gallery along the fairways — scenes synonymous with the American Century Championship at Edgewood Golf Course.
Source: Fox News Digital — Fox News: American Century Championship brings celebrities to the golf course
