Predictions for Patrick Mahomes, Steph Curry, Top Stars at American Century Golf

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Eric Risberg/Associated Press

There are current and former football players, current and former basketball players and former baseball players. There are singers and actors. And there’s even comedian Larry the Cable Guy.

Those are the types of people who play in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, held at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, each summer. This year’s three-round, 54-hole event gets underway Friday, and there are some familiar faces in the field.

Former pro tennis player Mardy Fish won the tournament in 2020, ending the two-year reign of former NFL quarterback Tony Romo. Prior to that, former MLB pitcher Mark Mulder won the event three straight years. All three will again be playing in the tourney this weekend.

Some of the other big names in the field include Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and pop star Justin Timberlake.

The tournament features a modified Stableford format with the following scoring: double eagle (10 points), hole-in-one (eight), eagle (six), birdie (three), par (one), bogey (zero) and double bogey (minus-two).

Here are some predictions heading into this year’s American Century Championship.

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Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Prior to last year, Mahomes had never participated in the American Century Championship. And in his debut appearance, the Chiefs quarterback didn’t perform particularly well.

Through the first two rounds in 2020, Mahomes had minus-four points. However, he ended on a strong note, collecting eight points in his third and final round to end up at four total, which placed him tied for 38th in the field of 71.

Mahomes is back at the event this year, and while he may not be among the top golfers on the leaderboard, he should have a better showing. In June, he hosted the inaugural 15 and The Mahomies Aloha Golf Classic in Hawaii. Not only that, but he also finished third at the event.

While it’s unclear how tough the competition was, it’s evident that Mahomes has at least been working on his golf game this offseason. So don’t be surprised when he gets off to a better start and at least has a positive points total throughout all three rounds of the American Century Championship.

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Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Curry has never won the American Century Championship, but he’s frequently been among the top finishers. In 2020, his impressive showing (14 points in first round, 16 points in the second and 26 points in the third) resulted in a fourth-placed finish.

Curry’s 26 points in last year’s final round was the most of any golfer. And with 56 total points, he ended up behind only Fish (76 points), former NFL defensive lineman Kyle Williams (67) and former MLB pitcher John Smoltz (58).

This event is a family affair for Curry. His father, Dell, has also been a frequent participant over the years, while Steph’s brother, Seth, will be making his debut in this year’s tournament. But Steph is the Curry to watch out for the most on the greens.

“Steph is killing the ball,” Dell said, per Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle. “He gained muscle in his core and legs, which is a big part of driving the ball, and he absolutely crushes the ball. If he gets off to a better start this year, I definitely think he has a chance to win it. … If he can be just contending in that last group on the last day, with a good start on Friday, I like his chances.”

Expect Stephen Curry’s name to again be near the top of the leaderboard by the end of the event.

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Tony Avelar/Associated Press

While Mulder once completed a three-peat at this event, Romo couldn’t do the same last year. But that’s because the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback didn’t make it past the second round of the tournament.

Romo had to withdraw from the 2020 event because of a left wrist injury. He had 20 points in the first round and 16 in the second, so he would have been battling for the win with the leaders in the final round. And that wasn’t a surprise considering Romo’s past golf success.

Now, Romo returns to Edgewood Tahoe with a good chance to win. As long as he stays healthy, that is. The 41-year-old had to withdraw from a U.S. Amateur qualifier last week because of back issues.

“I’m OK, but I feel like I’m 58 instead of 41 sometimes,” Romo said, per Phil Hicks and John Anderson of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

But Romo is also one of the best golfers who will be on the greens. Because of that, he’s the pick to win, assuming he can get through all 54 holes. If he does, he will likely rack up a ton of points and take back the title he didn’t completely have a chance to defend last year.