STATELINE — South Lake Tahoe’s adopted son Charles Barkley had some advice for American Century Championship newcomer, The Miz, who said he feels like he could win the whole celebrity golf tournament this year in his first attempt. “You better think again,” Barkley told The Miz, Michael Gregory Mizanin, a professional wrestler, actor, and television personality, during an ACC press conference. The Miz and Barkley were featured last week at a media event in advance of the 33rd annual tournament that takes place from Wednesday through Sunday, July 6-10, at Edgewood Tahoe. And with fans expected to return in full force with no restrictions compared to the past couple of years that were influenced by COVID, Barkley told the Miz he should be more worried about hitting somebody in the gallery. “Let me tell you something, after you drill your first person, your ass is going to come back to reality,” said Barkley, who has his own day in South Lake Tahoe, July 11, set by the city council in 2008 after his generosity in donating more than $100,000 to Angora Fire Fund. “I tell people, it’s all fun and games until after you hit the first person. And then you can barely take the club back. I tell yeah, you’re shaking so much standing over the ball you’re, like, I’m going to hit this ball 10 yards because I don’t want to hit anybody hard again. It’s very stressful. “Let’s be realistic,” Barkley added. “There’s probably five to 10 guys that can actually win this thing. The other 85, 80 guys, they’re there just to have fun.” “Do you ever feel like you’re one of those guys, though?” The Miz asked Barkley. “Do you ever think in your mind, like, I can win this thing?” “No, I’ve never been that drunk, Miz,” Barkley quipped. Barkley, an NBA Hall of Famer who has been playing in the ACC for 27 years, and The Miz are two of the 76 celebrities who have so far committed to play, including Justin Timberlake, Patrick Mahomes and last year’s surprise champion Vinny Del Negro. More high-profile player announcements are expected in the coming days, tournament officials said. And Barkley is thrilled with the return of fans after the last two years, one where there were no fans, and last year when crowds were restricted. “The one year with no fans, it just sucked, flat out sucked,” Barkley said. “But when you let the fans just go, man, they’re just there to enjoy the excitement. So I’m glad to have them back. They’re awesome. It’s just a wonderful place. Last year was better. And this year, hopefully, man — I was telling a friend of mine about Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is like the only place in the world that ain’t hot. No matter where I’m at, if in my house in Arizona, we know it’s hot as hell. If I’m in Philly for the summer, it’s hot. When I fly to Lake Tahoe, I’m like, damn, how in the world is this the only cool place in the world. (I) Cannot wait to get there.” The ACC is for current and former professional athletes and entertainers and is the most prestigious celebrity tournament in golf. The players will play for a purse of $600,000. Daily ticket prices are $30 each day for Wednesday and Thursday and $40 for Friday through the weekend. The grounds pass is $90 and is valid for all days. It’s a ground pass that provides gate access only. A limited number of complimentary military/veteran, active duty, reservists, National Guard, military retirees, and veterans, tickets are available online at https://acc.spinzo.com/?group=military-offer-xuxw for Wednesday and Thursday which includes one guest. Gates hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There is a no re-entry policy with a daily ticket. Only clear bags will be allowed on the golf course. For information, call 775-588-4591 or visit http://www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.
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