Powerful Swing Gives Elway The Title In Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev., July 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fourteen of the greatest names in sports vied for the title of Korbel Hole-in-One Champion Friday, July 20 in Lake Tahoe but the wind was not on their side in this inaugural contest.  John Elway unleashed a booming drive landing him 6 feet 7.5 inches away from the pin acing out his competitors to win this first-annual competition. The Korbel Toast Life® Foundation generously donated $5,000 to the Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation in honor of Elway's victory.  The Hole-in-One Competition, took place on hole 17 and is a featured event at the American Century Championship of celebrity golf, currently being played at the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120721/AQ44111 )

Unable to repeat his stunning hole-in-one on 17 at last year's American Century Championship, NHL Hall of Famer Joe Sakic came in second with a distance of 8 feet 6 inches from the pin.    Coming in third with 11 feet 10 inches and displaying some serious style was NFL Pro-Bowl Quarterback Mark Rypien. 

Among crowd favorites were Brandi Chastain, former US Olympic Soccer Player, who set the bar high by being the first competitor to tee off. Exhibiting fierce drives down the fairway were NFL superstars, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Chicago Bears Kicker Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith, and Green Bay Packers Linebacker AJ Hawk. Taking their best slap shot towards the pin were former NHL all-stars Dan Quinn and Jeremy Roenick, while Former MLB Pitcher and World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen gave it his best "over the plate" swing.  Miami Heat Forward Shane Battier, coming off his NBA Finals Championship, dunked his ball towards the far away flag.  Keeping cool, Olympic Gold Medalist Skier Bode Miller took his best shot, unfazed by the summer heat.  And the true comedian of the bunch was Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Alfonso Ribeiro who kept the crowd and competitors entertained throughout the event.

"Champagne and celebrations go hand-in-hand and for that reason Korbel is proud to participate in this golf tournament and sponsor the Hole-in-One Competition," said Gary Heck, owner and president.

About Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation

Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation was established in 1995 to encourage investment in educational opportunities at Lake Tahoe Community College.  The Foundation believes that students come first and student scholarships have always been a top funding priority.  An investment in education can be the gift that lasts a lifetime and to many students a scholarship is also the gift of a lifetime.

About the American Century Golf Championship

The 23rd Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship takes place at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club, July 17-22. The 54-hole Modified Stableford tournament is the most prestigious and richest celebrity tournament in golf, featuring a $600,000 purse with $125,000 going to the winner.

This event is often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity events, with more than 80 of the biggest sports and entertainment stars participating, including Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Ray Romano, Emmitt Smith 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 130 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 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.

SOURCE Korbel California Champagne