Players set the Tahoe fashion trend

STATELINE - Although they all have a different flair to their attire, most of the celebrities playing at the American Century Championship don sunglasses and hats to protect themselves from the sun that reflects off of Lake Tahoe.

The fashion royalty of the celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course have made their outfits comfortable and protective as most recognize they must seal themselves from the sun's oppressive rays, especially at a lake-level elevation of 6,223 feet.

There's NBA guard Ray Allen's floppy hat. Others like San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson didn't relinquish fashion over the heat of the day, which blasted golfers, fans and volunteers Thursday. Tomlinson sported a bright orange shirt, covered with a vest. His earrings brought another element to the players' sense of style on the golf course.

Among other accessories, sunglasses have been all the rage this week through Sunday.

"They're Nike. I'm all about Nike - up and down," former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe said at the driving range about his sunglasses. His hat and shirt donned the Nike swoosh for good measure.

Carolyn Kepcher, Donald Trump's "Apprentice" television co-star, said she also puts a lot of thought into her outfit - its fashion sense and name.

"I'm a big fan of Adidas," she said.

One of two women playing, the executive vice president of the Trump Corporation opted for a pink and white outfit to stand out. This included her shoes - compliments of Walter Genuine.

"He sent them to me for my birthday - in January," she said.

To Par West's Paul Raddatz, the shoes make the golfers' outfit for functionality and fashion.

The Wisconsin-based custom shoe maker set up a table next to the driving range with the hopes the celebrities would take note of his shoe styles.

The booth caught the attention of David Connor of Danville, who's been golfing for 20 years and wants his shoes and feet to last another 20. Raddatz claims the hand-tooled shoes - which can cost up to $2,000 - will last for 30 years.

"I'm hard on my shoes," Connor said, glancing at the table at the styles. Most have the saddle-shoe look, with many browns, blacks and whites. But others come in green and blue. They can even be dyed in different colors.

Some are made with stingray skin and others in ostrich.

"If you want something exotic, I can get you exotic," Raddatz told him.

Perhaps, the most exotic at the golf tournament could be the natural look. Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon plays barefoot.