Charles Barkley faces long odds ahead of celebrity golf tournament in Nevada

TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 11, 2025, 22:42 IST

Highlight of the story: Charles Barkley faces steep odds at the American Century Championship, listed at 7,500-1 despite a previous best finish. Joe Pavelski is favored, with Mardy Fish and Tony Romo close behind. While Barkley is a fan favorite, sportsbooks doubt his chances of winning the celebrity golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe.

NBA legend Charles Barkley is gearing up for the American Century Championship, but sportsbooks have little faith in his chances. Held in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, this celebrity golf tournament features a competitive field of 90 stars from sports and entertainment.

Known for his distinctive swing and bold personality, Barkley enters the tournament with 7,500-1 odds to win, the longest shot in the field, according to Caesars Sportsbook. Despite a career-best finish of 58th place last year, expectations remain modest—sportsbooks have placed his over/under for this year’s finish at 65.5.

Favorites to win

Joe Pavelski, a retired NHL star, leads the odds at +220.Mardy Fish, last year’s champion and former tennis professional, trails just behind at +240.Former NFL quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo is close at +350.Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard, sits at +425.

Other notable names in the 90-player lineup include:

Aaron Rodgers (NFL): 45-1Alfonso Ribeiro (actor): 175-1Travis Kelce (NFL): 275-1Jason Kelce (ESPN analyst): 350-1Larry the Cable Guy (comedian): 2,000-1Though Barkley remains a fan favorite and a strong personality on the course, oddsmakers remain unconvinced of his ability to climb the leaderboard.