Planning a trip around the Lake Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament 2026? The American Century Championship runs July 8 through July 12, 2026, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada. It is one of the largest summer events on the South Shore and draws a mix of golf fans, celebrity watchers, and people who want a mid-July getaway to Lake Tahoe.
What Is the Lake Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament?
The American Century Championship is a celebrity tournament played each summer at Edgewood Tahoe. It began in 1990 and has grown into one of the best-known events of its kind, with players from sports, entertainment, and broadcasting.
How It All Started
The tournament started as a summer golf event with a celebrity field and gradually became one of Tahoe’s signature weeks. Over time, the combination of Edgewood, TV coverage, and a strong returning field helped it build a following beyond regular golf fans.
Why People Keep Coming Year After Year
People come back because the week gives them more than one thing to look forward to. You get the tournament, a recognizable field, and South Shore in the middle of summer, which makes it easy to turn a day at the course into a full Tahoe trip.
What to Look Forward to at the 2026 Tournament
If this is your first time going, it helps to know what the week actually feels like once you are there. It is still a golf tournament, but it is also one of the more spectator-friendly events.
Celebrities
Have you ever gone to a golf event because you actually knew who was playing? That is part of what makes the Lake Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament different. Early 2026 coverage points to names like Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Joe Pavelski, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.
How the Tournament Is Played
The tournament uses a 54-hole Modified Stableford format instead of standard stroke play. Players earn points based on how they score on each hole, which changes the way people follow the leaderboard and usually keeps things interesting throughout the week.
The Best Days to Go
Wednesday and Thursday are good if you want a little more room and a slightly easier pace. Friday through Sunday feel busier and more event-driven, with larger crowds and more of the full tournament atmosphere. If you want the biggest energy, go later in the week. If you want a little more breathing room, midweek is best.
Information About the 2026 Celebrity Golf Tournament
The tournament is played at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, on the South Shore. Staying on the South Shore puts you close to the course, restaurants, and nearby entertainment options.
- Location: 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449
- Phone: (775) 588-3566
- The Course
Ticket Info
Tickets for the 2026 American Century Championship are only available through Eventbrite and are non-refundable. This popular Lake Tahoe golf event always sells out, so be sure to secure your admission in advance!
- General Admission:
- $50/day for Wednesday and Thursday
- $60/day for Friday through Sunday
- One child 10 years old or younger FREE with paid adult
- Weeklong Grounds Badge:
- $175 (Limited Availability)
- Gate Hours:
- 8 AM to 4 PM Wednesday and Thursday
- 7 AM to 2 PM Friday through Sunday
Parking
Parking is one detail worth figuring out ahead of time. Curbside parking on Lake Parkway is prohibited during the event, and vehicles will be towed. Paid event parking is available at nearby casino resorts, including Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Do not plan on street parking near the course
- Decide on parking before tournament day
- Save your ticket and directions on your phone
- Expect Friday through Sunday to feel the busiest
What to Bring on the Day of the Tournament
You do not need much, but a few things to bring, besides your mobile ticket, will help you stay comfortable while spectating:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A hat
The event also has a clear bag policy and does not offer checked bags or storage for prohibited items, so it is better to pack light.
What to Do Near the Tournament
Most people do not go to the course and then head straight home. South Shore gives you plenty to do once the round is over.
Explore South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is the easiest area to build the rest of the trip around. Stay close to Edgewood, the lake, and restaurants and bars that fill up once play ends for the day. That makes it a better base than staying farther out and driving back in. If you want dinner or drinks near the course, a few spots stand out right at Edgewood.
The Edge Restaurant & Lounge
- Location: 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449
- Phone: (855) 797-4853
- Menu
Brooks’ Bar & Deck
- Location: 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449
- Phone: (833) 490-5731
- Menu
Where to Stay During the Tournament
This is one of the busiest weeks of the Tahoe summer, so it helps to figure out lodging early.
Stay Near the Course
Staying near the South Shore makes the week a lot easier. You are closer to Edgewood, closer to dinner after the round, and closer to the lake if part of your group wants to do more than just follow golf all day.
Rentals That Can Fit Everyone in Your Group
Our vacation rentals are the best option for tournament week because people are rarely on the same schedule. Some want to stay at the course longer. Some want to head back early. Some want more lake time than golf time. A rental gives your group more room, more privacy, and a better place to regroup once the day is over.
Book Early
This is not a week to leave until the last minute. July is already busy in Tahoe, and the Lake Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament 2026 adds another layer of demand. Tickets went on sale April 1, 2026, and lodging tends to follow the same pattern. If you know you want to be here, it makes sense to lock in your stay early.
Plan Your Trip to the Lake Tahoe Tournament Now
The American Century Championship is one of the best summer weeks to be on the South Shore. If you are building a trip around the golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, now is the time to start. Reserve your rental early, buy your tickets, and enjoy the best of Lake Tahoe in the summer!
