ACC notebook: 17th hole continues to host party at ACC

STATELINE — Music blared after tee shots, boats lined the shore of Lake Tahoe and footballs flew onto the course as celebrities passed through.

It was a lively party at Edgewood Tahoe’s 17th hole Saturday during the American Century Championship second round, continuing its reputation as the most unique hole in golf.

“It’s a party,” ACC second round leader and ex-tennis player Mardy Fish said. “That’s where you want to be if you’re here.”

Errant tee shots from Hall of Famer Steve Young and Los Angeles Rams receiver Wes Welker led to second shots from the beach between tents and the swimsuit-clad gallery. Comedian Ray Romano posed between women in bikinis in the tee box as “a birthday present for his wife.”

On the basketball hoop adjacent to the 17th tee, the group that featured New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington Capitals winger T.J. Oshie and Golden State Warriors swingman Andre Iguodala featured three makes from deep. Fitzgerald banked in his first attempt, and then Oshie connected before Iguodala, a swingman for the Warriors, hit after numerous tries.

As for Steph Curry, the two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, he shot a low percentage but ultimately hit a bank shot. Fellow playing partner Justin Timberlake made three shots.

Curry, Timberlake and actor Alfonso Ribeiro treated fans to a rendition of “The Carlton” between tee shots at 17. Curry followed up hitting the green by mock throwing his mouthpiece into the crowd.

On the beach, the party raged on no matter which celebrity stopped by. One tent featured a blender with pink margaritas — powered by an electric drill.

The 19th hole tent — marked by signage and a large rubber duck — offered Fireball shots to all celebrities who passed by. For the second straight year, Golf Channel host Lisa Cornwell obliged. Actor Rob Riggle wasn’t as accepting of swing tips from the tent.

“It’s a lot of people having a great time, relaxing smiling and laughing, and watching golf,” said 19th hole partier Steve Harris. “It’s just a really good time to sit here all day in the sun, and it’s very relaxing.”

The 19th hole features 20-plus partiers from Discovery Bay, Calif. The group has come to the ACC for the past six years. They staked out their spot Saturday at 7:30 a.m., more than two hours before the first group passed through, arriving via boat from the Tahoe Keys.

“Everyone has a good time out here, and it’s been a great place to hang out,” Harris said.

EAGLE REPORT

On Friday, only three eagles and 96 birdies were recorded.

Actor Oliver Hudson eagled the 11th, Sterling Sharpe chipped in on No. 4 and ex-49ers great Jerry Rice eagled No. 3.

On Saturday, no eagles were recorded.

CURRY BATTLE

Dell Curry leads his son, Steph, by six points entering today’s final round.

Dell Curry carded 13 points on Saturday thanks to a birdie, 12 pars, a double-bogey and four bogeys.

Steph Curry finished with seven points for the second straight day, managing just one birdie.

CADDIE RACE

The first known caddie race of the tournament happened on Saturday, and A.J. Hawk’s bag carrier won easily over caddies from Brian Baumgartner and Aaron Rodgers.

WOUNDED WARRIOR

Andrew Bachelder, the winner of the Wounded Warrior Open and this year’s military representative, has put together two solid 15-point rounds.

Darrell Moody of the Nevada Appeal contributed to the report