Charles Barkley is a legend on the basketball court. He remains an afterthought on the golf course.
The former NBA MVP has the longest odds (7,500-1 at Caesars Sportsbook) at the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. It’s a bit of a surprise considering Barkley finished a career-best 58th in 2024 and 69th last year among a field of 90 participants. The over/under on Barkley’s finish is 63.5 at Caesars Sportsbook, with lead golf trader Anthony Salleroli telling ESPN most bettors are picking Barkley to finish worse than 63rd.
Former tennis player Mardy Fish and ex-NHL All-Star Joe Pavelski are the co-favorites at 3-1. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz are tied for second with 7-2 odds.
Smoltz, who’s finished as high as second at Tahoe, is higher on Barkley’s game than the general consensus.
“He’s come so far,” Smoltz said, per ESPN. “I played with Charles 20 years ago. And where he is at now — motivated, lost weight, looks great — every year he’s got a bar that he’s trying to raise.”
Barkley can prove his doubters wrong this weekend.
How to watch the American Century Championship
Coverage begins this afternoon at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 1 NBA legend has longest odds at American Century Championship
Reporting by Wajih AlBaroudi, For The Win / For The Win
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect