Robot Joins Charity Competition at American Century Championship

American Century Investments®, the long-time title sponsor of the American Century Championship, is adding a technological twist to its philanthropic efforts at the 2024 tournament. The new 'Beat the Bot' charity challenge will benefit the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, enhancing the event's tradition of supporting local and national nonprofits. Since its inception in 1990, the tournament has raised nearly $8 million for various charitable causes, and this year’s event continues that legacy with the addition of the Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation, founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry to support children's wellbeing.

The 'Beat the Bot' charity challenge will take place during the scramble practice round on July 11. Participants will have the opportunity to compete against a robot in a tee shot challenge or opt to play the robot's ball. American Century will donate $500 to the Stowers Institute for each shot that beats the robot, up to a total of $25,000. The robot, which mimics the swing dynamics of human golfers and is used by major golf companies for equipment testing, adds a unique competitive element to the event. Golfers can also choose to donate directly to the Stowers Institute and play the robot's ball instead of attempting to beat it.

'We are a top global money manager that directs over 40% of our profits each year to medical research, so when you invest with us, you also invest in the future of others. That's the spirit we bring as title sponsor of the American Century Championship: let's have a good time for a good cause. Our 'Beat the Bot' contest is just one way we are bringing this spirit to life throughout the tournament,' said Erik Schneberger, chief marketing officer of American Century.

In addition to the 'Beat the Bot' challenge, American Century is bringing back its popular American Century Championship Fantasy Golf Contest. Fans can build their teams at www.accfantasygolf.com for a chance to win one of four trips for two to next year's tournament and $10,000 for a charity of their choice. Participants have until July 11 at midnight, PDT, to pick their starting team of five players from over 80 sports legends and celebrities competing in the prestigious tournament.

'In addition to our 'Beat the Bot' challenge for those playing in beautiful Lake Tahoe, we are bringing the tournament to fans everywhere with the American Century Fantasy Golf Contest. It is easy to join, fun to play, and you'll have a chance to win $10,000 for your favorite charity,' Schneberger added.

This year’s American Century Championship lineup features over 80 sports and entertainment celebrities, including newcomers Jason Kelce, recently retired football player, and his brother, Travis Kelce, tight end for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs. Other notable participants include Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Josh Allen, Jerry Rice, and entertainers like Colin Jost and Ray Romano. Previous winners such as NBA All-Star Steph Curry and three-time champion Tony Romo will also be in attendance.

The tournament will be broadcast live on Peacock and NBC, with additional coverage on the Golf Channel. Fans can follow the action using #ACCgolf on social media and find more information on the tournament's official site www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com.

American Century Investments, a global asset manager founded in 1958, directs over 40% of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. The Institute, owning more than 40% of American Century Investments, has received over $2 billion in dividend payments since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com.