While the golf performance of Charles Barkley has frequently been a source of amusement, the basketball icon achieved a remarkable moment during the opening session of the American Century Championship.
At the second hole, a par-4, Barkley achieved an eagle with an exceptional hit from the fairway. Barkley’s hit — executed from a distance of 88 yards from the hole — struck the rear of the green surface, subsequently spinning backward and settling into the cup’s base.
Barkley’s initial nine holes additionally featured a birdie on the seventh hole, a par-3. He concluded his session positioned at T24 among 90 contenders.
“The spectators were ecstatic. It was incredible. The day has been outstanding,” Barkley conveyed to NBC Sports. “I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. I’ve dedicated significant effort to refining my skills. … I’m genuinely pleased with today’s outcome. Extremely satisfied.”
Barkley, aged 62, participated in the competition with the most extended odds for victory at 7,500-1. His 58th-place accomplishment at this event in the prior year signifies a personal high point.
Fellow basketball luminary Stephen Curry possessed considerably superior prospects of securing victory in the competition. Curry, the victor of 2023, and two-time champion Marty Fish both presented odds of +240 to triumph in the current year’s iteration. Alongside Barkley and Curry, the three-day event encompassed participants such as Travis and Jason Kelce, current NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Trevor Lawrence, Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, former Cowboys quarterback and current NFL on CBS analyst Tony Romo, and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam.
