Rypien wins Tahoe celebrity golf tournament

Sir Charles stopped by and bought drinks for his friends at the Flight Deck before he boarded his plane. Photo/Cathy Vogelgesang

Charles Barkley bought drinks for friends at Flight Deck before boarding his plane at Lake Tahoe Airport. Photo/Cathy Vogelgesang

In a weather-delayed finish, Mark Rypien emerged the winner of the 25th annual American Century Championship on Sunday.

“Every 25 years. I hope they still have this around in 2050. This is surreal. To go eagle-birdie-birdie after the rain. There is a reason why I live in Washington State. We are used to playing in this weather,” Rypien told NBC. Rypien’s only other ACC win was the first year.

The last golfers at Edgewood Tahoe on July 20 had to endure a two-plus-hour delay as a thunderstorm rolled through the basin.

Annika Sorenstam, who was favored to win, finished tied for second with Jeremy Roenick.

Chad Pfeifer, the Iraqi war vet who was in the lead after the first day, finished fifth.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report