Record-Breaking Swing Benefits Tahoe Prosperity Center at Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin Contest
July 16, 2019, Lake Tahoe, NV – Fourteen of the most popular names in sports and entertainment joined together during the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship to compete in Korbel’s annual Closest-to-the-Pin Contest last Friday in Lake Tahoe. A signature event and fan favorite at the golf tournament, the Closest-to-the-Pin Contest took place on hole 17 of the Edgewood Golf Course. Former MLB All-Star Pitcher Derek Lowe slammed it home with a powerful swing, landing just 21 inches from the hole, acing out competitors and defending his champion Korbel title. In honor of his win and because he landed within two feet of the hole, Lowe walked away with a record-breaking $25,000 prize – with half benefitting Tahoe Prosperity Center on behalf of the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation.
Finishing in second and third place respectively was NFL Quarterback Josh Allen with a distance of 10 feet and 4 inches, and Actor Alfonso Ribeiro who landed 14 feet and 9 inches from the pin.
NFL Kicker Robbie Gould returned as a crowd favorite while MBL Stars Mark Mulder and Kevin Millar took powerful swings earning them spots in the top 10. Bode Miller made an appearance with an impressive shot ranking 7th out of the group, but landed short of the hole.
Entertainment icons competing for the win included Comedian Larry the Cable Guy and Actors Rob Riggle and Miles Teller who put their talents to the test with a humorous and lively show despite the outcome. Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer was a crowd favorite with a strong swing along with popular Sportscaster Kathryn Tappen and News Anchor Bret Baier who took their attempts with soaring shots. Although she was not crowned a champion, Former Miss America Kira Kazantsev was also a notable first-time player with a long-shot ball.
“We are thrilled to award $25,000 for a first-time, record-breaking shot, of which half will benefit charity,” said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars. “The energy and suspense surrounding this competition seems to grow year over year, but the value in helping the local community is above all the reason for the celebration.”
About Tahoe Prosperity Center
The Tahoe Prosperity Center is an innovative nonprofit collaborative created to champion the prosperity initiatives identified in the 2010 Lake Tahoe Basin Prosperity Plan. Using a regional stewardship model among existing entities, the TPC is bridging the fragmented governing system and speaking in one voice to support the long-term economic, social and environmental health of the entire Basin.
About the American Century Golf Championship
The 30th annual American Century Championship, a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports, NBCSN and Golf Channel, is the premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities. The competition features a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sports’ and entertainment’s greatest celebrities.
This tournament is often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity golf with more than 90 sports and entertainment luminaires. Celebrities scheduled to appear are Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jerry Rice, Rob Riggle and Larry the Cable Guy among many others.
About Korbel
Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel’s success during its 137 years can be seen in the impact it’s had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.
