Korbel Champagne toasts South Lake Tahoe with $62,500 to area charities

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - During the 31st annual American Century Championship, Korbel California Champagne® once again held its popular Closest-to-the-Pin contest on No. 17 at Edgewood Tahoe.

This year, the contest brought the celebrity golfers to the tee to see who could get closest to the hole, all in support of local charities. With $250,000 on the line, unfortunately, no one got a hole-in-one but professional boxer Canelo Alvarez took home Korbel’s winning title with a knockout swing landing him 13 feet, 1 inch from the hole. In honor of his win, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe received a check for $12,500. The contest aired on the NBC live telecast on Sunday during the final round of play.

Korbel didn't stop there though. They also donated $50,000 to the Tahoe local community charities.

“Korbel was especially proud to be a sponsor of this year’s tournament and have the opportunity to support Tahoe charities in need during these uncertain times,” said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars.

Finishing in second was two-time Korbel Closest to the Pin winner, former MLB Pitcher Derek Lowe with 14 feet, 5 inches. Pulling up third, actor Michael Peña landed 17 feet, 1 inch from the pin. Former NFL linebacker AJ Hawk took home 4th place with 28 feet. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, a newcomer to the tournament, landed 29 feet, 1 inch away. A crowd favorite, Alfonso Ribeiro was 51 feet away. Other participants included Travis Kelce, Larry the Cable Guy, Rob Riggle and Mark Mulder.

With health and safety as a primary concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tournament was played without spectators and featured a field of 71 of the most popular names in sports and entertainment with all prize money going to charity. Fans were able to feel part of the event with nine hours of televised coverage on NBC and the GOLF Channel.