Curry and Timberlake hit course, not court.
STATELINE, Nev. — Celebrity worlds collided on the shores of Lake Tahoe on Saturday, when Warriors superstar Stephen Curry played golf in front of huge crowds with everyone’s favorite entertainer, Justin Timberlake.
To say the stars aligned at the American Century Championship would be an understatement. The weather was spectactular. An evergrowing gallery followed the two celebrity golfers. And they even had actor Alfonso Ribeiro along for the ride, busting out his trademark “Carlton” dance of Fresh Prince fame.
Curry and Timberlake seemed to hit it off, discussing tactics and shots while fistbumping and joking around. When the group hit the raucous atmosphere at the 17th hole, where thousands line the fairway and boaters anchor right offshore in Lake Tahoe, the golf gave way to comedic theater. Believe it or not, Curry re-enacted the famous throwing of the mouth guard that got him tossed out of the NBA Finals a month ago.
Picture this scene: Curry teed off on the par-3 hole, which is famous for bikiniclad fans throwing footballs to the golfers and similar she-
nanigans. It was a crazy scene made even crazier by the wattage of this particular group. The crowd was roaring, girls screaming, “JT,” and guys chanting, “MVP,” when they arrived. Then it picked up.
Timberlake and Curry took turns shooting baskets on a hoop set up next to the tee box. Then, when Curry was set to tee off, Timberlake and Ribeiro flanked the point guard, hands on their knees, a trademark Curry mouthpiece in their mouths.
It was a funny gag and Curry hit his drive. Timberlake walked away and tossed his mouthpiece to the ground, figuring the bit was over. But Steph jogged over, picked the mouthpiece up and hurled it into the crowd, just as he did in the Finals. The place went wild. Curry followed up his performance by yelling, “I’m sorry,” in the direction of his long-gone mouthpiece.
It was a remarkable moment, and probably the most memorable in this tournament’s 27-year history. Veterans of the tournament widely acknowledged that they’d never seen such huge crowds. Curry and Timberlake should make a movie together. Or an album.
The two stars, joined by Ribeiro, took time out to dance together a number of times on the 17th hole, as Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” hit blared on the loudspeakers. The fans grooved along for the ride. It was an “Only at Edgewood” moment, for sure. This is the only full-blown celebrity tournament that lets things get this rowdy.
In fact, Timberlake had an unwanted interaction with a boisterous fan late in the round. It’s unclear what happened, but Timberlake was asked if he wanted to press charges in the scorer’s tent. He declined to do so, and that was that.
Beyond that stupidity, the American Century Championship is definitely on the upswing. Longtime player and defending champion Jack Wagner said he’d never seen it like this before. He even complained that no one was watching him play, due to the star attractions.
Curry certainly enjoyed himself, especially on the 17th.
“It’s always electric, and this year was no different,” said Curry, after the round. “I’ll remember that for a long time.”
As for his new Hollywood buddies, Curry played it down. Timberlake “is a fun guy. We had a good time playing golf. Wish we had played better.”
Did he wish he danced better? “I was all right,” said Curry, with a laugh.
In terms of the actual golf, all three of the celebs in this group had legitimate skills. Curry powered out of a bunker on No. 6, landing the ball softly on the green and getting a big cheer. Timberlake had his putter working, draining a long one on No. 3 and then strutting around the green like a real Hollywood ham. The singer-actor later chipped in on No. 12, raising his palms skyward and playing to the crowd. Ribeiro was better than both.
The tournament continues Sunday, with many of the favorites in contention. Former pro tennis player Mardy Fish leads the way, followed closely by the likes of Wagner, Mark Mulder and Brian Urlacher.
But who’s winning isn’t really the story at this golf tournament. It’s who’s hot. Who’s funny. Who’s famous.
The Curry supergroup checked off all those boxes Saturday, and it only got better after they stopped at the Tequila bar set up on the 15th hole, serving Timberlake’s own brand of booze. The Hollywood star could be seen walking down the 16th fairway drinking from a pitcher full of Tequila and ice tea, which may explain why he smacked his second shot right into a tree.
But, again, it’s not really about the golf.
Walking behind Saturday’s super trio was a study in celebrity worship. As Curry and Timberlake passed, you could see young girls, mouths agape, comparing photos of the singer. And an army of kids in Warriors jerseys could barely contain themselves after the two-time MVP passed.
It was a selfie, social media, good-time extravaganza. And the stars shone bright, in the light of day.