Annika Sörenstam joining a field of over 80 celebrities at the American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Annika Sörenstam, part-time Incline Village resident and one of the best female golfers in history, has announced she'll be joining the list of almost 90 celebrities at the 32nd annual American Century Championship at Edgewood Day in July.

Sörenstam, who will be playing from the men's tee, is one of four women playing in the tournament. She joins NBC News/TODAY Show host and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, NBC Sports anchor and on-air personality Kathryn Tappen, and GOLF Channel on-air commentator Kira K. Dixon, 2015’s Miss America.

Dixon was at the Edgewood clubhouse Wednesday for a media event and was joined virtually by Charles Barkley. In 2021, Dixon was the leading female golfer in the tournament, something she joked will not be the case this year with the addition of the most decorated women’s professional golfer in history.

Sörenstam has over 90 worldwide wins and is making her second appearance in the American Century Championship. She finished tied for second in her previous appearance in 2014.

“Lake Tahoe has a special place in my heart and I’m excited to play the American Century Championship, one of my favorite events of the year, said Annika. “The competition is so fierce, the camaraderie off the course is genuine and the setting on the lake is spectacular."

“I have a lot of fond memories from playing in 2014, and I look forward to competing this year with my kids watching,” continued Annika. “I’m happy to play a few more events this year in preparation for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. I need to keep progressing because these guys can play. I hope to improve on my finishes from earlier this year.”

Sörenstam has 8/1 odds at the sportsbook to win the tournament. The top three golfers in the tournament according to the oddsmakers are previous winners Tony Romo at 3/2, Mardy Fish at 3/1, and Mark Mulder at 4/1.

Will 2021 be the year of the woman? Time will tell.

Dixon said the phone call from NBC Sport's John Miller about her joining the tournament three years ago, her first, was "the most incredible experience." She likened it to being named Miss America. One of her favorite moments in the tournament was sinking a ten-foot putt on hole 17 in front of all of the fans on the boats and in front of the television cameras.

"I was good at being Miss America, it's golf I'm not good at," said Dixon.

She said the magic of the American Century tournament is special as it connects fans from all walks of life to the players. She herself is looking forward to meeting Justin Timberlake who is returning this year to play. Dixon said it is incredible to see the fans who come out to Edgewood just for him.

"Golf brings them all together," said the San Francisco Bay Area native. Dixon, the daughter of Russian immigrants (her maiden name is Kazantsev), first picked up a golf club at the age of three. Her surgeon dad thought being able to putt was a life skill she needed. She played until high school when she quit.

"I thought it was lame," she said. Six years ago she picked up clubs again.

Dixon joked with the gathered group at Edgewood that they should all put their money on her (she is a 2000/1 to win). "Mardy Fish has nothing on me," she said with a smile.

Dixon will be almost at home at the American Century July 6-11. Her family still has a cabin on the South Shore and her in-laws have a place in Tahoe City.

For more information on the American Century Championship, please visit https://americancenturychampionship.com/.