American Century countdown: Blair O'Neal

LAKE TAHOE - In a game of numbers, model and golfer Blair O'Neal has several associated with her golfing career:

2 NCAA Long Drive Championships
160 yards is her average 7-iron distance

And 2 is the number of American Century Golf Championships she'll be in as of next month.

O'Neal stopped by Edgewood Tahoe on June 6 as part of Media Day festivities. For those who may not be familiar with her, Blair took up the game at the age of 11. By age 13 she was in American Junior Golf Association and selected to the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team in Valderrama, Spain. She then went to Arizona State University on a full-ride golf scholarship.

After college, Blair quickly turned professional and about the same time, booked her first modeling gig.

The 36-year-old is now a Golf Channel personality and plays in tournaments such as the American Century Championship. 2017 will be her second year in South Lake Tahoe, one year after her inaugural round. The odds makers at Harveys have her at 30-1 odds to win, even with her playing from the men's tees, a requirement of the tournament (but for a long-drive specialist it shouldn't be an issue for her).

When asked who her favorite to win the 28th annual tournament at Edgewood Tahoe, she had three that could win: Former Major League Pitcher Mark Mulder, tennis player Mardy Fish or NHL Hall of Famer Mike Modano. Blair also said that there are so many good players, anyone could win.

"They all love the game of golf," said Blair.

She is looking forward to playing at Edgewood in front of the large crowds and being on the course with the fans. Last year's tournament wasn't on the first time playing in the American Century, it was also the first time visiting Lake Tahoe.

"It is so beautiful," she said.

Blair has made friends with many of those playing in the tournament and would love to play a round with Justin Timberlake, Steph Curry and Jack Wagner.

During Tuesday's interview a reporter asked her about golfing with President Trump (who has also played at the American Century in Lake Tahoe). She co-hosted "Donald J. Trump's Fabulous World of Golf" for the Golf Channel and said his golf courses are some of the best. "He knows what he's doing," Blair said of the condition of his courses.

American Century Golf Championships will be held at Edgewood Tahoe July 11 – 16, 2017. Raley's, Bel-Air and Nob Hill stores are offering discounted tickets at their locations throughout Northern California and Nevada. Tickets are $17 (regularly $20) for access Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and $27 (regularly $30) for Friday, Saturday and Sunday tournament action. And with a grocery purchase of $50 or more, the savings is even greater for Friday, Saturday and Sunday with individual tickets for only $23 each, a 23% discount, up to four tickets.

Tickets and more information are available at americancenturychampionship.com.