Coundown to American Century Championship: Korbel offers $250,000 for hole-in-one

When the American Century Champsionship comes to South Lake Tahoe July 19-24, Korbel California Champagne® will be joining them for the fifth year by hosting a $250,000 Closest to the Pin competition in addition to the favorite annual “Celebrity Spray-Off,” which encourages players to show off their champagne-spraying skills.

Along with having their tent offering cocktails between holes 17 and 18, Korbel will offer fans and celebrities numerous opportunities to participate in the fun such as:

Celebrity Closest to the Pin Contest: This fifth-annual competition gathers 15 of the tournament’s most notable players for two chances to make a hole-in-one from 155 yards for $250,000; half of the prize winnings will be donated to a local charity. The 2016 designee is Take Care, an informational campaign created by the Tahoe Fund to promote eco-consciousness and lake clarity in the Tahoe Basin. If no hole-in-one is made but a player is within two feet, $25,000 will be awarded with half to the player and half to the charity. If no one is within two feet, Korbel will award a consolation prize of $5,000 to the local non-profit.

This year’s contest takes place on Friday, July 22 on hole No. 17, the scenic par 3 along the Lake, following the first round of play and promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Last year’s contest was won by Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson. In honor of his win, Korbel Toast Life® Foundation donated $5,000 to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

Celebrity Spray-Off: Celebrities and athletes playing in the golf tournament will show off their winning skills as they test their best celebratory champagne spray in order to win $5,000 for their charity of choice from the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation. Past winners include Joe Theismann, Shane Battier and Jerome Bettis. Korbel will judge participants on champagne spray creativity and cork distance. The Spray-Off will take place throughout the day Thursday, July 21 between holes 17 and 18.

Celebrating Responsibly: Korbel, in partnership with TEAM Coalition, is challenging tournament fans to sign a responsibility pledge that outlines ways in which to celebrate responsibly. Everyone who attends the event plays an important role by drinking responsibly, behaving respectfully, and always having a designated driver. On Thursday and Friday of tournament play, fans can sign a large oversized golf ball to show their support.