INSIDE VIEW FROM BLUE

The 54-hole tournament has been played at Edgewood Tahoe’s 6,707-yard lakeside course since its inception in 1990. Mike Milthorpe has been the tournament director with the American Century Championship, the Celebrity Golf Tournament since it began. A field of approximately 80 professional athletes, actors and musicians compete for a charity purse of $600,000. For more information: www.tahoecelebritygolf.com.

Blue: How many summers have you been visiting South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Milthorpe: This will be my 19th year coming to visit South Shore Lake Tahoe.

Blue: What keeps you coming back to visit South Shore?
Milthorpe: The fantastic weather and the clear alpine Lake keeps me coming back for more year after year.

Blue: The tournament is in its 19th year, how many tournaments have you been to?
Milthorpe: I started with the event from the beginning in 1990, making this my 19th year.

Blue: What’s new for the tournament this year? Who do you predict will win the purse?
Milthorpe: First-timers for the championship include Jay Cutler, Dale Jarrett, Terence Newman, Antoine Walker and Darryl Strawberry. I would look for Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, to win this year.

Blue: Do you have a favorite celebrity to spend time with? Can you divulge some of the memorable moments you’ve shared with celebrities?
Milthorpe: I’d have to say some of the most memorable moments involve the golf game itself. In 1991 Bill Laimbeer lost in a playoff to Rick Rhoden, he hit 3 balls into the lake guarding the 18th hole, we renamed the lake to Lake Laimbeer. Billy Joe Tolliver won in 2005 from the beach, and Jack Wagner birdied on the 18th hole to win in 2006.

Blue: Which celebrity is the most entertaining to watch at the tournament?
Milthorpe: Each year the crowd follows Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, but I would look for Tony Romo, Dale Jarrett, John O’Hurley and Ray Romano.

Blue: Edgewood Golf Course is the home of the American Century Championship, what is your favorite part about the course?
Milthorpe: My favorite about Edgewood’s course is the tree lined fairways. In addition, the 18th hole is a great finishing hole as it is a reachable par 5.

Blue: What celebrity have you always wanted to be a part of the tournament?
Milthorpe: There is not one particular celebrity; however, we would like more entertainers/musicians to join the tournament.

Blue: Last year set record attendance; do you expect the numbers will be higher this year?
Milthorpe: If the weather is good as last year’s then I think we will surpass last year’s attendance.

Blue: From your experience where is the best spot to party after attending the tournament all day long?
Milthorpe: Harrah’s and Harveys Casinos are the best spots for the after parties, and tend to be the best places for celebrity sightings.

Blue: Do you have a favorite dining spot, if so why?
Milthorpe: I like going to the local spots in town like Mott Canyon and Sam’s Place.

Blue: What about the destination do you enjoy the most?
Milthorpe: I enjoy the weather, the lake and the people.