His swing was better, for certain. But not good enough to win him a pot of cash.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley finished in 76th place in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe on Sunday, costing him $100,000 and just missing out on the chance to win $500,000.
Vinny Del Negro beat John Smoltz on the first hole of the fourth playoff in ACC history.
But Barkley, a fan favorite at Lake Tahoe, who has finished among the bottom three out of roughly 80-90 celebrities in 17 straight ACCs, bet on himself to finish among the top 70 in the field of 88.
He said he wagered $100,000 and got 5-to-1 odds, down significantly from when it opened at 17-to-1 at the Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.
Barkley told the media he has been working with a new swing coach, Stan Utley, and he has erased the numerous voices that were haunting his thoughts in previous golf rounds.
Utley said Barkley’s issues on the golf course in the past were physical.
“I’m not too worried about his ability to compete under pressure in front of a gallery. I think he’s got that figured out,” Utley said. “I’m humored by people that think he has mental issues with golf. Charles’ issues were purely skill issues. They have nothing to do with confidence, mental. He had some bad golf skills working that he’s improved.”
He finished with minus-28 points.