July 17, 2025 (Guerneville, CA) — Korbel California Champagne once again had fans bubbling with excitement at the 2025 American Century Championship, marking its 21st consecutive year as a proud sponsor of the premier celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Lake Tahoe July 9-13. A fan-favorite tradition, the Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin Contest returned, giving celebrities the chance to win up to $250,000 for charity.
Closest-to-the-Pin Contest Highlights
A signature moment of Championship Week, the contest took place at the iconic 17th hole — a 135-yard par 3 nestled lakeside and surrounded by a lively crowd and boats. Ten celebrity participants each took two swings to see who could land their ball closest to the pin.
How it works:
- A hole-in-one wins the full $250,000 prize for charity.
- A shot within two feet of the pin earns $25,000, split between the player and their chosen charity.
- If no shots land within two feet, the closest overall earns $5,000 for charity.
This year’s winner was Hally Leadbetter, who landed her shot just 7 feet, 10 inches from the hole. A seasoned golf content creator and daughter of legendary swing coach David Leadbetter, Hally not only claimed the 2025 Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin title but also made history as the first woman to win the contest. Her skill and composure shone on the 17th — known as the “party hole” for its electric, waterfront atmosphere.
To honor her achievement, Korbel will donate $5,000 on Hally’s behalf to Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that provides expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities, including those with PTSD.
Second place went to WWE Superstar and actor The Miz, with a shot landing 11 feet, 8 inches from the pin. Former MLB pitcher Derek Lowe secured third place with 13 feet. Other participants included Michael Peña, Alfonso Ribeiro, Mark Mulder, Larry the Cable Guy, Joe Theismann, Rob Riggle and Matthew Tkachuk.
About the American Century Championship
Now in its 36th year, the American Century Championship is the premier celebrity golf tournament, owned and broadcast by NBC Sports, and televised on NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock. The made-for-TV event has raised more than $8 million for local and national charities. With a purse of $750,000 and $150,000 for the winner, the 54-hole tournament uses the modified Stableford scoring format. The field included 90 stars from sports and entertainment, including Stephen Curry, Jake Owen, Aaron Rodgers, Jason and Travis Kelce, Joe Pavelski, Annika Sörenstam and Josh Allen.
About Korbel California Champagne®
Founded in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the most popular méthode champenoise champagne in the United States. For over 143 years, Korbel has played a leading role in American celebrations. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel produces eleven California champagnes and a limited selection of still wines. In a separate facility, it also produces one of the nation’s most respected brandies.
