STATELINE, Nev. – While it may be enticing for many to immerse themselves in the weekend’s action-packed energy at the American Century Championship (ACC), Wednesday’s pre-tournament practice day has proven to be quite beneficial for attendees this year.
ACC guests like Marshall David came from Oklahoma to see Steph Curry tee off on Wednesday morning.
David, who has been a Curry fan for seven years, listed off a number of reasons why he chose a practice day.
“It’s cheaper, the weather’s nice. We’re maximizing the experience,” he said.
Although celebrity golf tickets for the weekend are still considered a steal to many, practice day tickets are $10 less.
For those who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, pre-tournament tends to gravitate away from the craze often experienced on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, days that have seen more than 70,000 people in previous years and usually makes up a bulk of the tournament’s overall attendance. Although, Curry always tends to draw a massive crowd, regardless of the day.
“This is our first time doing a Wednesday, but we heard that everyone is a lot more friendly and willing to sign things, and all that good stuff,” said Kim Pengilly. “I think you get more bang for your buck on this day.”
Pengilly is a huge “Chicago” fan, and after Broadway star and actor, John O’Hurley took his swing on hole 16, he greeted Pengilly and her son Sam with a smile as he signed Sam’s shirt and took a photo with Pengilly and her family.
“Especially with kids, to get signatures and meet [celebrities], it’s not as crowded,” Pengilly added.
While the benefits of cheaper tickets and a more laid back day in Lake Tahoe can be seen on unofficial warmup days at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, only certain celebrities are making their rounds and attendees like Kristen Anderson couldn’t help but be a little disappointed at not getting to see two of the celebrities she was hoping to greet.
“I didn’t really realize what Wednesday entailed,” Anderson said, who has been to the ACC four times now. “I’m a little bummed because two of the guys that I really wanted to see are not here, Miles Teller and Collin Jost.”
Teller and Jost will most likely be at Thursday’s warmup, along with other big names like Jason Kelce, Charles Barkley, and Tony Romo.
