Korbel California Champagne® will once again sponsor and hold signature events at this year's American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, July 19-24 in Lake Tahoe. Thousands of fans will join in with sports and entertainment celebrities as they partake in the competition on the course, while enjoying some fun and behind-the-scenes action as part of Korbel's annual activities. The events include the ever-popular Celebrity Spray-off and the fifth annual Closest-to-the-Pin contest, with $250,000 at stake.
Korbel will offer fans front row access to celebrity favorites 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: Just before celebrity superstars tee off on the 18th hole throughout the day on Thursday, July 21, Korbel will challenge them to show off their best champagne celebration skills as part of the Celebrity Spray-Off for a chance to win $5,000 for their charity of choice courtesy of the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation. Korbel will judge participants on champagne spray creativity and cork distance. Last year, the "Celebrity Spray-Off" brought out more than 30 contestants, including last year's winner, Former Super Bowl MVP QB Mark Rypien, and runner up, former American Olympian and gold medal-winner Dan Jansen.
Summer Sparkle: Throughout the tournament fans can enjoy the official cocktail of the tournament, the "Korbel Sparkling Eagle" and will have front row access to the new, limited edition bottle wrap, a perfect pairing for summertime celebrations. With bright blue hues and the crowd-pleasing Extra Dry California champagne inside the bottle, Summer Sparkle is a one-time offering that will be enjoyed during the tournament's events. For those who can't make it to Tahoe but want the ultimate poolside sparkler, select retail locations have it on shelves now.
Live Action: To share this thrilling experience with anyone across the country, Korbel will be posting on the brand's social media channels sharing candid moments of the stars. Both the Spray-Off and Closest-to-the-Pin contest will be shared through Facebook Live where viewers will encounter surprise video appearances by celebrities. Additionally, catch exciting behind-the-scenes moments on the Korbel Instagram and Twitter pages throughout the tournament.
About the American Century Golf Championship
The 27th annual American Century Championship, a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports, is the premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities. The event features a record purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sports' and entertainment's greatest celebrities.
This event is often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity events with more than 80 of the biggest sports and entertainment stars scheduled to appear including Charles Barkley, Aaron Rodgers, Ray Romano, Jerry Rice and Jack Wagner.
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 134 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.