Winner Willie Robertson steals the title with a knock-out swing at fourth-annual Korbel contest
LAKE TAHOE, NV, July 18, 2015 – Lake Tahoe was taken by storm on July 17th when 13 of the greatest names in sports and entertainment battled for the title of Korbel Hole-in-One Champion. With a powerful drive, Duck Dynasty Star Willie Robertson landed 12 feet 1 inch away from the pin, taking home the victory for this fourth-annual competition. In honor of Robertson’s win, The Korbel Toast Life® Foundation donated $5,000 to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. The Hole-in-One Competition took place on Hole 17 and is a featured event at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, currently being played at the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Close behind finishing in second place, Golf Channel Host Lisa Cornwell put her All-American golf champion skills to the test with a distance of 13 feet 9 inches from the pin. Coming in third with 14 feet 5 inches and not far off was Former MLB All-Star Pitcher David Wells.
Other entertainment idols competing for the win included Nine-Time Grammy Award Winner Justin Timberlake, who won over the crowd with his smooth dance moves as he prepared to tee off. Comedians Larry the Cable Guy and Rob Riggle also had fans amused as their hilarious remarks provided a soundtrack to the afternoon. Season Nineteen Dancing with the Stars Champion Alfonso Ribeiro added to the excitement as he heckled with participants and stirred up the competition.
In addition, Former NFL Pro Bowl Champions Joe Theismann, A.J. Hawk and Mark Rypien exhibited fierce drives down the fairway to beat out the majority of competitors. Although he wasn’t closest to the pin, Former NBA Forward Shane Battier was a fan favorite as he took his best shot at the Hole-in-One Champion title. Fans ultimately gave their support to Bush Center Wounded Warrior Champion Chad Pfeifer, last year’s American Century Celebrity Golf Championship fifth place winner. Although Pfeifer was beat out by competitors, the crowd offered a standing ovation for his service to our country.
“The fourth-annual celebrity Hole-in-One competition is an opportunity to close out the first round with a lively, crowd pleasing contest to support a worthwhile cause like the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care and raise a glass to the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship,” said Gary Heck, small owner and small president of Korbel Champagne Cellars.
Pictured L-R: Todd Kennedy, Korbel; Sue Novasel, District Five Supervisor; Gary Heck, Korbel; Willie Robertson, Duck Dynasty
About Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc., is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose main function is to care for orphaned and injured wild birds and animals in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin. In the past 37 years, volunteers and staff have cared for more than 25,000 wildlife and have released more than 14,000 back into the wild. Since the year 2000, LTWC has been the one main rehab center – in California – to care for first year, orphaned bear cubs, rehabbing 72 during that time. In addition to bears, LTWC rehabs all wildlife brought into the center in need of care. Annually, the organization trains an average of 70 new volunteers to help with the care of the wildlife.
About the American Century Golf Championship
The 26th annual American Century Championship. This 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. American Century Investments is the title sponsor of the tournament.
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 méthode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel’s success during its 133 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.
