Trevor Hoffman joins elite field in Hall of Fame and at American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Trevor Hoffman, the long time relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres and newly elected Hall of Famer, stopped by the South Shore Tuesday to promote the 29th American Century Championship (ACC) at Edgewood Tahoe July 10-15.

"The course is amazing," said Hoffman. "I can't believe its [the tournament] only a month away!"

Hoffman, who has more strike-outs than any other reliever in history (1,133) and a lifetime ERA of 2.87, attended a luncheon at Edgewood Tahoe with members of the media to discuss the upcoming celebrity packed tournament, baseball and golf.

"I'm coming after Mulder," joked Hoffman as he referred to the former starting pitcher having won the last three tournaments at Edgewood.

The odds released on the ACC put Mulder at 5-2, former Dallas quarterback Tony Romo at 3-1, Hoffman and other retired pitchers Greg Maddox and Roger Clemens all at 60-1 odds. Former basketball player and current NBA analyst Charles Barkley, a legend at Edgewood who normally comes into the clubhouse with the worst score, is at 6000-1 odds to win.

Tuesday's luncheon was held in the clubhouse room used as the tournament's media hub and location of interviews of tournament leaders.

"My goal is to be back in this room on the leader board," joked Hoffman.

"I have more fear with the long drive than facing Barry Bonds," said Hoffman. "When I'm swinging the golf club the fear factor comes in."

Two weeks after the end of the ACC, Hoffman will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. There are 16 other Hall of Famers in this year's ACC, with two others that are in the 2018 class of inductees, Ray Allen (basketball) and Brian Urlacher (football).

Three other golfers phoned into the luncheon and discussed a myriad of subjects from their respective sports to the playoffs to golf.

One of those, former pitcher John Smoltz, returns to the ACC, but not before playing in the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado Springs June 28-July 1.

"It's the greatest feeling I've had in a long time," said Smoltz on his learning of earning the spot. "It's a dream."

Dell Curry, former NBA player and father of Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, also called into Edgewood. Last year, the elder Curry had to jump in the lake after a golf game bet with Steph.

"There will be some kind of wager this year," said Del."Not sure if it will be jumping in the lake. My caddy must have made the bet as I was sleeping."

For a full list of celebrities and more tournament information, visit http://americancenturychampionship.com.

It's been 50 years since the Park family turned their cattle grazing land at Lake Tahoe and turned it into a premier golf course with clubhouse. Now the $100M Lodge at Edgewood is one year old and the resort has a new focus on culinary experiences at their three restaurants.