Full Breakdown
2026 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship: Field, Format, and Forecast
7/10/2026, 10:38:06 PM
Core Event
The 37th American Century Championship, billed as the “Super Bowl of celebrity golf,” returns to the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, for a three-day, 54-hole competition beginning Friday at 3 p.m. ET (streaming on Peacock) and concluding Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The tournament uses a modified Stableford scoring system that awards 10 points for three-under-par, 8 points for a hole-in-one, 6 points for an eagle, 3 points for a birdie, 1 point for par, 0 points for bogey, and -2 points for double-bogey or worse.
Background & Context
Since its inception in 1985, the event has blended professional athletes, entertainers, and media personalities in a televised charity competition. The 2026 edition marks the 37th iteration and features a field of 90 stars, the largest to date, reflecting the tournament’s growth as a premier summer spectacle in the Sierra Nevada.
Key Figures & Groups
- Stephen Curry – NBA superstar and three-time NBA champion.
- Joe Pavelski – Former NHL forward and defending champion, predicted by analysts to repeat.
- Tony Romo – Former NFL quarterback and past winner.
- Mardy Fish – Retired tennis pro and former champion.
- Annika Sörenstam – LPGA Hall of Famer and multiple-time winner.
- John Smoltz – Former MLB pitcher, last year’s runner-up.
- Austin Reaves – NBA guard, tied for 13th in his two prior outings.
- Jack Wagner – Former NFL player and media analyst, commenting on the event’s unique mix.
- Casual competitors – Charles Barkley, Michael Peña, Larry the Cable Guy, Trey Wingo, Brian Baumgartner, Colin Jost, among others, provide entertainment value despite limited contention prospects.
Data & Statistics
- Scoring format: Modified Stableford, emphasizing aggressive play while mitigating penalties for poor holes.
- Field size: 90 participants spanning sports, comedy, broadcasting, and acting.
- Historical performance: Joe Pavelski has secured one victory and two runner-up finishes in the last four tournaments; Austin Reaves previously finished tied for 13th twice.
Official Statements & Responses
NBC Sports President of Acquisitions & Partnerships Jon Miller emphasized the tournament’s competitive depth, noting that “we have probably a dozen players who are capable of winning this event at the highest level, whether it’s a John Smoltz, or a Mardy Fish, an Annika Sörenstam, a Steph Curry, someone like that.”
Former NFL star Jack Wagner highlighted the event’s appeal, stating, “Where are you ever gonna find this grouping of athletes and celebrities ever, right? … I think that’s really the key to this weekend.”
Criticism & Opposition
No organized criticism was presented in the available coverage. Commentary focused on the tournament’s entertainment value and charitable purpose rather than contesting its format or participant selection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we have different levels of players,” — Jon Miller, NBC Sports President of Acquisitions & Partnerships
- “We have probably a dozen players who are capable of winning this event at the highest level, whether it's a John Smoltz, or a Mardy Fish, an Annika Sorenstam, a Steph Curry, someone like that.” — Jon Miller
- “Where are you ever gonna find this grouping of athletes and celebrities ever, right?” — Jack Wagner, former NFL player
- “Who are willing to sign autographs, take selfies, play golf… I think that's really the key to this weekend.” — Jack Wagner
What’s Next
- Friday, 3 p.m. ET: First round streams live on Peacock.
- Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET: Second round airs on NBC and Peacock.
- Sunday, 2:30 p.m. ET: Final round concludes the championship, with live coverage on NBC and Peacock.
The tournament’s blend of elite skill, celebrity flair, and charitable fundraising ensures it remains a marquee summer event for both participants and viewers.
