Sports And Entertainment Greats Contend For Korbel Closest-To-The-Pin Title In Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev., July 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 18^th 15 of some of the world's most legendary athletes and entertainers competed in Lake Tahoe for the Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge as part of the American Century Championship, currently being played at the Edgewood Golf Course. NFL Former Pro Bowl Quarterback Mark Rypien who was the inaugural tournament champion took home the title after teeing off from Hole 17 and placing his ball just seven feet away from the pin winning a $5,000 donation for The Tahoe Fund from the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation.

This third annual competition brought together athletes from golf, basketball, football, and baseball along with some of TV & Movie's most well-known personalities including 10-time LPGA Champion Annika Sorenstam, NBA All-Star Guard Stephen Curry, and Comedian Bill Engvall for an event full of friendly banter and competition.

Finishing in second place was Friday Night Lights Actor Lucas Black with a powerful drive landing his ball just eight feet five inches from the hole. With an impressive swing Former World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen took home the third place honors by finishing 21 feet five inches feet away.

Fellow sports legends participating included NASCAR Driver Danny Hamlin who was up first to the tee and landed just 22 feet from the pin. The powerful swings of NFL superstars were impressive but not enough to contend for the title including Chicago Bears Kicker Robbie Gould, Denver Broncos Punter Britton Colquitt and Green Bay Packers Linebacker AJ Hawk. Comedian Bill Engvall kept the competition friendly but entertaining as each participant prepared he had no shortage of jokes to give.

"We are honored to be able to once again offer an exciting and fun way to support a local charity like The Tahoe Fund as well as bring together some of the greatest athletes and entertainers in the industry for the Closest-the-the Pin Challenge," said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars.

About The Tahoe Fund

The Tahoe Fund will improve the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin by building broad support and funding for projects and programs that restore and enhance the Lake for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

About the American Century Golf Championship

The 25th annual American Century Championship is 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. Celebrities scheduled to appear include Charles Barkley, Aaron Rodgers, Ray Romano, John Elway, 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 methode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel's success during its 132 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.

Toast Life. Celebrate responsibly.

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