The pristine setting at Edgewood Lake Tahoe was energized with excitement as 80 stars from sports and life arrived for the 22nd American Century Celebrity Golf tournament. This tournament is one of the highlights of the golf season as it is covered by NBC TV. Fans love watching their favorite stars struggle trying to master the difficult game of golf.
Featured long time players include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and relative newcomers Super Bowl Champion Aaron Rodgers and Jason Kidd from the World Champion Dallas Mavericks. This event is a summer people watching Super Bowl packed with laughs and fun on the majestic shores of Lake Tahoe and the snow capped Sierras.
This year some new players include Tim Tebow and Jamie Moyer. Both of these world class athletes are a breath of fresh air on and off the football field and baseball diamond helping many less fortunate people lead better lives.
My son MJ Mc Colgan 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and I were fortunate to spend a day with Jamie Moyer as we were paired with him in the Lake Tahoe Celebrity Pro-Am. Jamie won a World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008 and at age 48 trying to become the oldest player in baseball in 2012. He is also the son-in-law of Digger Phelps former Notre Dame Basketball coach and ESPN analyst. He and his wife have 8 children and 2 of them are adopted. They have a Moyer Foundation that has raised over 20 million dollars helping less fortunate kids.
This was Jamie's first trip to Lake Tahoe and the fans enjoyed his outgoing and kind demeanor as they swarmed him on each hole for autographs.
My wife Linda also walked the course with us and enjoyed the live postcard scenery and crystal clear weather. One of our favorite places is Brooks 19th hole bar(rated top ten in the country) overlooking the lake, mountains and famous Lake Lambier on the 18th hole. Former Detroit Piston Bill Lambier made the lake famous a few years ago when he took a dreaded 12 after hitting a few errant shots into the bottom of the lake. The bar is famous for their burgers, Maui Maui fish tacos and mojitos. It is named after Brooks Park who bought the course in 1896 and still owned by the Park family.
Finally, it is always a special treat to watch the sunset from the top of Harrah’s restaurant Friday Station. Many of the celebrities eat dinner there as the steaks are cooked perfectly, drinks generous and the views heavenly. When you watch the sun set over the lake from this restaurant you know it will be another perfect day when it returns the next day to grace the deep blue lake, snow capped mountains and towering pine trees.
I have already marked my calendar for the 23rd American Century Celebrity in 2012.
