Timberlake brings out the crowds to Edgewood; Wagner, Mulder top ACC leaderboard

Justin Timberlake has a phalanx of Douglas County deputies at the golf tournament. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE – The biggest name in this year’s ACC celebrity golf tournament can’t be found in the top 10 after Day 1, but the fans don’t care. Justin Timberlake is No. 1 with the crowd – at least based on gallery size – no matter his score.

The singer-actor is tied at 20 with Ray Allen and Joe Carter. As he approached each hole the throng of autograph seekers and admirers swelled compared to the other groups. Plus, he had five Douglas County sheriff’s deputies walking the course with him to ensure fans didn’t get out of hand.

This is the first year Timberlake has played in the 26-year-old event at Edgewood Tahoe. He didn’t disappoint on Friday.

Actor Jack Wagner is seeking his third ACC title. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

“He’s really social and he’s one of the guys. He’s very easy to hang out with. And it’s really a big, big plus for this tournament, I think,” actor Jack Wagner said at a press conference.

While there are other entertainers in the field of 91 athletes, it is dominated by athletes. This duo met at the tournament this week. Both are serious golfers.

Timberlake was showing he could entertain and play golf at the same time. He and Alfonso Ribeiro (“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and 2014 “Dancing with the Stars” champion) appeared to see who could swivel their hips the best. It brought out rousing whoops and hollers from the crowd.

Kevin Nealon and Charles Barkley are comedic with their play and fan interaction. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

For Charles Barkley – ex-NBA star – hip swiveling is about the last thing he can do. While Sir Charles has always been challenged on the golf course, it’s even more apparent this year because he is awaiting a hip replacement. Still, he isn’t in last place. That distinction goes to former model Kim Alexis.

Former soccer star Brandi Chastain has not lost her touch. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

Alexis and Brandi Chastain played together July 17. Chastain showed off some footwork that might have made her eligible for this year’s U.S. women’s World Cup championship team. On hole 17 she was bouncing a mini soccer ball like it was a Hacky Sack, then sent a spiraling football into the crowded beach and sunk a basketball with her feet into a mini soccer goal.

Willie Robertson gives the broadcast crew an earful. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

Chastain is in 80th place, tied with Larry the Cable Guy. He played with Willie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame, who in his lime green headband with feather still looked like he had walked off the set of the TV show. At one point he sprawled out on the ground and began talking into one of the microphones on the grass.

Some familiar and not so recognizable names are atop the leaderboard after the first day of the three-day tournament. (A modified Stableford scoring system is used.) Past champions Wagner, Billy Joe Tolliver and Rick Rhoden are in the hunt. Wagner is tied with Mark Mulder for first place. Wagner won the event in 2006 and 2011.

Mark Mulder has been prepping for this tournament with the goal of winning it. Photo Copyright 2015 Carolyn E. Wright

Mulder, a former pitcher with the A’s and Cardinals, got his groove on when he moved to the front nine after starting the round on hole 10. By the end of the day he proved pitchers transition well to a sport with a smaller white ball.

“I’m looking to win it. And I’m going to be disappointed if I don’t because I know my game’s good enough and I’ve worked on it enough to try to be prepared to do that,” Mulder said at a press conference.