Charles Berkley’s golf game was often the subject of ridiculous laughs, but the basketball hall of fame made a sweet revenge in the first round of the American century.
On the par-4 second hole, Berkley eagled with an incredible shot from the fairway. It was 88 yards out of the hole, but Berkley’s shot hit the back of the green before going back and falling to the bottom of the cup.
Barkley’s front nine also included birdies in the par-3 seventh hole. He finished round T24.
“The crowd was crazy. It was incredible. It was a great day,” Berkley told NBC Sports. “I’ve been so much fun. I’ve worked so hard on my game…I’m really happy today. I’m very happy.”
62-year-old Barkley took part in the tournament with the longest odds to win 7,500-1. His 58th place finish at the event a year ago was his career best.
fellow hoop legend Stephen Curry could have been much better at winning the tournament. Both 2023 champion Curry and two-time champion Marty Fish have won +240 odds to win this year’s event. In addition to Barkley and Curry, the three-day event will include attendees Travis and Jason Kelce, current NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Trevor Lawrence, former CBS Coler Analyst Tony Romo’s Cowboys quarterback, current NFL, and current NFL.