Celebrities Preparing for Their Big South Lake Tahoe Golf Tournament

A list of 90 golfers from the worlds of sports and entertainment head to South Lake Tahoe in just a few weeks for the 25th Annual American Century Golf Championship. Three of those heading to town spoke with reporters Tuesday, sharing their thoughts about golfing at Edgewood: Mike Eruzione, Vinny Del Negro and Gino Auriemma.

"I'd rather play the Russians every night than step on the first tee at Lake Tahoe," said Mike Eruzione, the dynamic captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey team who scored the winning goal in the semi-final game against the Russians as they headed to winning the gold. Eruzione is one of four players who have played in every single Celebrity Golf Championship in South Lake Tahoe. During Tuesday's interview he emphasized how much fun he and the other players have in Tahoe. "Playing 17 is the most fun you can have on a golf course," said Eruzione when questioned about playing hole 17 which attracts lots of boaters and fans on the beach. "I've had six holes in one and there is a 7th in my future and I hope it's in Tahoe." (holes in one on 17 get to split $1,000,000 with a charity)

Former basketball player and head coach Vinny Del Negro is making his 14th appearance at the annual golf classic. "The ACC and all that goes on it is first class," he said. "We love going back and seeing old friends and it tests your game and tests your mental, but its great to see other atheletes play." Del Negro and Eruzione talked of the great friendships they've made over the years at Edgewood and look forward to meeting up with their friends every year. "It's great to be a part of it," Del Negro said.

First time tournament player Gino Auriemma, head coach of the UCONN Women's Basketball Team is looking forward to golfing in Lake Tahoe. "Like every other sports fan watching the American Century Golf Championship, watching guys that you see other sports and not in their element, you can appreciate just how good they are," he said. Auriemma said when Charles Barkley visited his restaurant he asked him "If they keep inviting you, they should invite me," in reference to the common last place finishing for Barkley. Auriemma said at least he knows he won't finish last but advised people not to bet on him with the odds of 300-1.

The summer golf classic on the shores of South Lake Tahoe takes place July 15-20th.