42 Celebrities Compete in the Eleventh Annual Korbel Celebrity Spray-Off
July 14, 2017, Lake Tahoe, NV – On July 13, Korbel California Champagne once again honored the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament with its eleventh annual “Celebrity Spray-Off” where defending champion Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts took home first place for the second year in a row, as well as $5,000 from the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation for the charity of his choice.
Just as celebrity superstars made their way to the 18th tee, Korbel challenged players to show off their best champagne-popping skills during the highly-anticipated Celebrity Spray-Off as part of tournament festivities. DeMarcus reclaimed his winning title after popping the cork 75 feet for the furthest distance of the day.
This year’s competition brought together 42 players, all vying for the championship to benefit charity. Contending participants included Former MLB All-Star Pitcher Derek Lowe with a second-place distance of 71 feet, followed by Former MLB All-Star Outfielder Joe Carter with a 66-foot cork shot, earning him third place in the competition. As players attempted to beat out competitors with soaring corks, others chose to demonstrate their champagne-spraying talent with a locker room style performance.
Although he was not crowned the champion, Golden State Warriors NBA MVP Stephen Curry proved to be a fan favorite with a stylish champagne shake before popping a long distance cork. Professional Golfer and Media Personality Paige Spiranac’s cork distance earned her a place in the top 10, while Actor Rob Riggle and Comedian Larry the Cable Guy won the crowd over with their explosive champagne sprays and lively cork popping. In addition, NFL fan favorites Jerry Rice, Golden Tate, Joe Theismann, Jerome Bettis and Brian Urlacher drove their corks down the field traveling distances over 62 feet.
“Each year, we look forward to presenting fans and players with the renowned Celebrity Spray-Off as part of Korbel’s signature events at the tournament” said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars. “This event is not only an opportunity for players to have some fun and celebrate with Korbel, but more importantly, it’s an effort to raise money for a good cause through the Korbel Toast Life Foundation.”
Football: Jerome Bettis, Trent Dilfer, Herm Edwards, John Elway, Marshall Faulk, Jared Goff, Robbie Gould, Rodney Harrison, A.J. Hawk, Sebastian Janikowski, Jim McMahon, Carson Palmer, Doug Pederson, Jerry Rice, Mark Rypien, Sterling Sharpe, Alex Smith, Emmitt Smith, Golden Tate, Joe Theismann, Brian Urlacher
Basketball: Stephen Curry, Dell Curry, Jason Kidd
Baseball: Joe Carter, Roger Clemens, Tom Glavine, Derek Lowe, John Smoltz, Tim Wakefield, David Wells
Hockey: Mike Modano, Joe Pavelski
Golf: Paige Spiranac
Entertainment: Larry the Cable Guy, Jay DeMarcus, John O’Hurley, Rob Riggle, Joe Don Rooney, Blair O’Neal
Olympians and Other Sports: Mardy Fish, Bode Miller
Complete list of participants:
- Jerome Bettis, Former All-Pro Running Back
- Larry the Cable Guy, Actor/Comedian
- Joe Carter, Former MLB All-Star
- Roger Clemens, Former MLB All-Star Pitcher
- Stephen Curry, NBA MVP: Golden State Warriors
- Dell Curry, Former NBA Guard
- Jay DeMarcus, Singer/Musician: Rascal Flatts
- Trent Dilfer, Former All-Pro Quarterback
- Herm Edwards, Former NFL Head Coach
- John Elway, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
- Marshall Faulk, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
- Mardy Fish, Olympic Silver Medalist: Tennis
- Tom Glavine, Hall of Fame Pitcher
- Jared Goff, NFL Quarterback: Los Angeles Rams
- Robbie Gould, NFL Pro Bowl Kicker: Chicago Bears
- Rodney Harrison, Former NFL Pro Bowl Safety
- AJ Hawk, NFL Linebacker: Cincinnati Bengals
- Sebastian Janikowski, NFL Pro Bowl Kicker: Oakland Raiders
- Jason Kidd, Former NBA All-Star and Head Coach: Milwaukee Bucks
- Derek Lowe, Former MLB All-Star Pitcher
- Jim McMahon, Former NFL: All-Pro Quarterback
- Bode Miller, Olympic Gold Medalist: Skier
- Mike Modano, NHL Hall of Fame
- John O’Hurley, Actor
- Blair O’Neal, Model and Golf Channel Host
- Carson Palmer, Quarterback: Arizona Cardinals
- Joe Pavelski, NHL All-Star: San Jose Sharks
- Doug Pederson, NFL Head Coach: Philadelphia Eagles
- Jerry Rice, NFL Hall of Fame WR
- Rob Riggle, Actor/Comedian
- Joe Don Rooney, Singer/Musician: Rascal Flatts
- Mark Rypien, Former NFL Pro Bowl QB
- Sterling Sharpe, Former NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver
- Alex Smith, NFL Pro Bowl QB: Kansas City Chiefs
- Emmitt Smith, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
- John Smoltz, Hall of Fame Pitcher
- Paige Spiranac, Professional Golfer and Media Personality
- Golden Tate, NFL Pro Bowl WR: Detroit Lions
- Joe Theismann, Former Super Bowl Champion Quarterback
- Brian Urlacher, Former NFL Pro Bowl LB: Chicago Bears
- Tim Wakefield, Former MLB All-Star Pitcher
- David Wells, Former MLB All-Star Pitcher
About the American Century Golf Championship
The 28th annual American Century Championship. Raising money for local and national charities, this NBC Sports’ made-for-TV event is the preeminent celebrity golf tournament. This year’s competition features a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that attracts some of sports’ and entertainment’s greatest celebrities. American Century Investments is the title sponsor of the tournament. This event is often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity events with more than 80 of the biggest sports and entertainment stars. Celebrities scheduled to appear include Charles Barkley, Justin Timberlake, Aaron Rodgers, Abby Wambach, John Elway, Jerry Rice and Andre Iguodala.
About Korbel
Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel’s success during its 135 years can be seen in the impact it’s had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.