American Century Investments Triumphs at 35th Annual American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe

American Century Investments®, the title sponsor of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament since 1999, marked a successful year at the 35th Annual event held in South Lake Tahoe. The tournament, which concluded on July 14, saw notable achievements including record attendance and significant philanthropic contributions, further cementing its status as a premier event in the sports and entertainment calendar.

Tennis star Mardy Fish claimed his second celebrity golf title with a total of 83 points, narrowly missing Billy Joe Tolliver's tournament record by just one point. The three-day event featured 90 global stars such as Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Alex Rodriguez, and Aaron Rodgers, attracting a significant fan presence.

This year's tournament set an all-time attendance record with 77,049 attendees. The excitement was palpable, partly due to the presence of Taylor Swift fans supporting the Kelce brothers. Additionally, the American Century Fantasy Golf Contest saw a 20% increase in participation, with fans building fantasy teams from the roster of celebrities and sports legends. Winners received trips for two to next year's tournament, and the grand prize winner earned $10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.

A highlight of the event was the "Beat the Bot" charity challenge, benefiting the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. On July 11, players competed in a closest-to-the-hole challenge against a talking golf swing robot named "Charity Champ." Successful challengers saw $500 donated in their name to the Stowers Institute. This engaging activity raised nearly $25,000.

The tournament also introduced the "Cardigan Classic," a special inter-tournament charity match on July 13 featuring Jimmy Fallon and DJ Khaled. Fallon emerged victorious, earning the trophy of a red cardigan sweater and bragging rights.

Another notable moment was the $1 million hole-in-one challenge on the par-3 17th hole, co-sponsored by American Century Investments. Although no participant won the million-dollar prize, Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Tim Brown made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, winning a MasterCraft X24 boat valued at over $200,000.

Generous charitable donations were made throughout the tournament by players and sponsors, adding to the nearly $8 million donated to charity over the event's history. Erik Schneberger, Chief Marketing Officer of American Century Investments, emphasized the company's commitment to philanthropy, stating, "We are a top global money manager that directs over 40% of our profits each year to medical research. When you invest with us, you also invest in the future of others."

Looking ahead, American Century Investments has renewed its sponsorship of the tournament for the next five years. The company continues to focus on delivering investment results and supporting breakthrough medical research through its partnership with the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. For more information about the tournament, visit www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com.