LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – While eyes are always on those golfing at Edgewood Tahoe this week, the hearts of many are looking at the charity aspects of the annual American Century Championship (ACC).

The host of the event, American Century Investments (ACI), puts 40 percent of all profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a world-class biomedical research organization dedicated to defeating life-threatening diseases.

We like to show what Lake Tahoe is all about, fun, excitement, and giving back according Erik Schneberger, ACI chief marketing officer. Since the start of the ACC, the tournament has raised nearly $8 million for local and national charities.

First, there was “Smash for Cash.” This charity-focused challenge took place during the practice rounds on the 14th hole. It utilized artificial intelligence (AI) and optically enhanced radar technology to measure each player’s swing, aka Smash Factor. It measures swing efficiency based on the ratio of club and ball speed. A higher Smash Factor means more energy is transferred from the club to the ball. While 1.5 is the ultimate goal, participating teams that averaged a 1.43 smash factor triggered a $500 donation to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. The teams consisted of a celebrity with four amateur partners during the Celeb-Am portion of the tournament.

245 golfers participated and 177 of them got a Smash Factor of 1.43 or greater. There were 49 teams involved, with 34 of them getting an average of 1.43 or more. As a result, $17,000 was donated by American Century Investments to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. The top team was Seth Curry’s team, earning another $10,000 to the charity of his choice.

The top 10 celebrity smash factor scores

  • Steph Curry 1.52
  • Kathryn Tappen 1.50
  • Rob Mac 1.5
  • Trevor Lawrence 1.5
  • David Wells 1.5
  • John Smoltz 1.5
  • Tim Simons 1.5,
  • Jerome Betis 1.5

Schneberger said they brought the Smash Factor to the tournament this year as something new and fun, He said it wasn’t about how big or how small one is, its about the efficiency of the swing so everyone could learn from it.

Schneberger said the tournament is about balancing entertainment and purpose, something they focus on.

“It is pure entertainment,” he said, but noted the players are also paying it forward through their appearance and encourage giving in their messaging.

There are some Hole-In-One prizes and other giving opportunities for the players this weekend at Edgwood.

  • Hole No. 5 – $200,000 luxury recreational vehicle from Go RVing.
  • Hole No. 12 – $325,000 Mastercraft X24
  • Hole No. 17 – $1,000,000 – 50% to the player, 50% to Stowers Institute from Medical Research.

Korbel California Champagne® is hosting its annual Celebrity Hole-In-One Contest again this year. Ten players will gather on the 17th par-3 hole all vying for the title to benefit a local charity with $250,000 at stake. This year it is Canine Companions that is the beneficiary. If an ace is not achieved, the player closest to the pin (within two feet) will receive $25,000 to split with the charity, a national organization that provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. If the closest shot is outside of two feet, $5,000 will be awarded to the charity.