Canelo Alvarez Claims Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin Contest Benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe
July 13, 2020, Guerneville, CA– Korbel California Champagne® has been a sponsor of the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament held at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe for 16 years. Each summer, fans have flocked to Tahoe to cheer on their favorite celebrities and participate in all the festivities surrounding the event. With health and safety as a primary concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tournament was played without spectators and featured a field of more than 70 of the most popular names in sports and entertainment. Fans were still able to tune in and enjoy their favorite golfers on the NBC live telecast which aired July 11th and 12th, with all prize money going to charity.
Korbel California Champagne® again hosted its annual Closest-to-the-Pin contest on Saturday, July 11th. This year’s competition brought together ten players all vying for the winning title to benefit charity. With $250,000 on the line, unfortunately no one got a hole-in-one, however, professional boxer Canelo Alvarez took home Korbel’s winning title with a knockout swing landing him 13 feet and 1 inch from the hole. In honor of his win, The Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe received a check for $12,500. The contest aired on the NBC live telecast on Sunday during the final round of play.
Korbel also donated $50,000 to the Tahoe local community charities. Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars said, “Korbel was especially proud to be a sponsor of this year’s tournament and have the opportunity to support Tahoe charities in need during these uncertain times.”
Finishing in second was two-time Korbel Closest to the Pin winner, former MLB Pitcher Derek Lowe with 14 feet and 5 inches. Pulling up third, actor Michael Peña landed 17 feet and 1 inch from the pin. Former NFL linebacker AJ Hawk took home 4th place with 28 feet. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, was a newcomer to the tournament and landed 29 feet and 1 inch from the pin. A crowd favorite, Alfonso Ribeiro returned to the tournament landing within 51 feet. Other participants included Travis Kelce, Larry the Cable Guy, Rob Riggle and Mark Mulder.
This year, Korbel also returned to Tahoe with a fresh look premiering its new “Make It Gold” campaign. This campaign featured animated billboards as well as a TV commercial which ran across NBC networks over the weekend.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe:
The Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe has a mission to empower all young people to reach their full potential. The Club provides a safe, fun and educational place for children to be out of school time and focuses on educational achievement and broadening horizons. Touching the lives of over 800 local children a year, the Club is a vital part of the South Shore economy and a home away from home for our members.
About the American Century Golf Championship:
The 31st annual American Century Championship, a made-for-TV event, owned and broadcast by NBC Sports, NBCSN and Golf Channel, is the premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities. The competition featured a purse of $600,000, which will all be donated to charity this year. The tournament was played in a 54-hole modified Stableford format that included Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jerry Rice, Rob Riggle and Larry the Cable Guy, among many others.
About Korbel:
Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. The true measure of Korbel’s success during its 138 years can be seen in the impact it has 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.
