Why the American Century Championship sets itself apart from other events

The celebrities in South Lake Tahoe this week for the 29th annual American Century Championship (ACC) are here for more than just the golf.

First, there are the friendships they've made over the years at the ACC. They look forward to returning every year to see those friends.

Secondly, there is Lake Tahoe. Those who live in towns around the lake or visit often know why. A beautiful lake, majestic mountains, tall trees and clean, fresh air.

Then of course, there is the golf and all the tournament brings with it including entertainment, top notch amenities, and friendly staff, locals and spectators.

Four of the favorites for the 2018 tournament joined each other for a media event at Edgewood Tahoe Wednesday along with odds maker at the Harrah's and Harveys Sportsbook, Dave Cudney.

They talked odds, their games, Lake Tahoe and Charles Barkley.

Mark Mulder, a former major league pitcher, has won the tournament the last three years and has placed in the top ten for six of the nine years he's been at the ACC. He said the greens at Edgewood Tahoe are firm, and if they stay that way it will be a challenge during the tournament.

"I'm excited to get going," he said.

Jeremy Roenick, a former professional ice hockey player, is no stranger to the ACC in Lake Tahoe, and no stranger to being one of the top finishers. He needs to work through a nightmare he had last year where he woke up at 3:00 a.m. after dreaming he went into the bunker on the first hole. When he teed off that first hole once awake, he did end up in the bunker, and then had to hit his ball out of what he thought was a few inches of water (instead it went above his waist). Roenick said he doesn't want that nightmare again.

Former quarterback and two-time ACC winner Mark Rypien has played in every tournament since 1980, which he won. He said he looks forward to coming to Lake Tahoe every year with his family.

"Our families get to enjoy it and we get to share it with then," Rypien said of Lake Tahoe.

He also said the tournament keeps getting better too. "It sets itself apart," he said.

Tennis player Mardy Fish is another golfer with a great shot to win. He has lost a lot of weight since last year. "I found when you don't eat you lose weight," he joked.

Fish is at 4:1 odds to win the tournament, behind Mulder who is at 8:5. Roenick is back a little at 15:1 and Rypien is at 25:1.

Fish said to watch out for former Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo this year.

"He will be tough this year," said Fish. "He has been putting in hours and hours in his game," added Mulder. Romo is listed at the same as Fish, 4:1 odds.

Former basketball great and current NBA announcer Charles Barkley is at 6000:1 odds.

"If I could make it higher I would," said Cudney. He tried to get a bet going with Mulder giving up abut 168 points to Barkley in the Modified Stableford scoring system, but it didn't go over well with the Las Vegas bosses. Cudney says he actually gets a lot of bets on Barkley, but most of them just use the piece of paper it comes on as a souvenir.

All four of the golfers agreed that Barkley is the most important piece of the tournament.

"He brings the entertainment and personality aspect to the tournament," said Roenick. "He knows what it means to Lake Tahoe."

After the Angora Fire, Barkley donated $100,000 to the victims of the fire and took first responders and their families out to dinner. The following year he added in another $95,000. There is a plaque in his honor near the entrance to the practice range.

The four players did say they hear Barkley is playing better this year....could this be his year in the winner's circle? Most likely not.