​The American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe is attracting a mix of familiar faces and rising contenders, with the leaderboard showcasing both the expected stars and some surprising performances. Among the storylines, actor and comedian Colin Jost delivered a moment that nearly stole the show on Saturday. He teed off from the par-3 17th hole after beginning his round on the 10th and came within an inch of making an ace as his ball rolled just past the hole. The near-miss sent Jost into a celebratory frenzy, pumping his arms, removing his sunglasses, and feeding off the roar of the crowd. The 44-year-old comedian, who is married to actress Scarlett Johansson, is enjoying a significant week as he plays in this high-profile event with his wife and their 5-year-old son Cosmo in attendance.
Before the round, Jost explained the personal importance of this appearance. Scarlett Johansson had encouraged him, telling him that if he could win the tournament, she needed to be there to witness the moment firsthand. “Well, Scarlett was like, ‘Baby, if you’re going to win this thing, I gotta be there. Like, I gotta see the champ in action.’ Because she kind of knew this was my year,” Jost said just minutes before his near-hole-in-one. Yet, despite the excitement and the electric atmosphere, Jost’s performance over the first two rounds did not mirror the near-miss on 17. Through 36 holes, his best shot is two birdies—both coming on Saturday—while the rest of his scorecard features a mix of bogeys and double bogeys. The result is a position far from contention in a stacked field, making his dramatic moment all the more memorable but the competition remains intense.
As the tournament unfolds, the leaderboard reflects a competitive field with two-time champion Mardy Fish, who has claimed wins in 2020 and 2024, sitting at the top as this year’s event progresses. He’s followed closely by a cluster of past winners who still have a realistic shot at the title, including Joe Pavelski, Steph Curry, and Tony Romo, all within striking distance of the lead. The mix of veteran champions and current contenders ensures the tension remains high as the event moves toward its final rounds. In addition to the current frontrunners, past runners-up such as Annika Sorenstam and John Smoltz are also in the mix, underscoring the tournament’s blend of golf skill and star power that continues to draw attention from fans and media alike.
Looking ahead, players will be looking to capitalize on favorable conditions and convert opportunities into birdies while avoiding the costly mistakes that have plagued others. The competition remains wide open, with the leaderboard likely to shift as the weekend progresses. Jost’s memorable moment on Saturday will be remembered by fans as a highlight reel-worthy occurrence, even if it didn’t translate into a victory this year. The American Century Championship continues to deliver drama, star power, and high-level golf as it moves toward a thrilling conclusion in Lake Tahoe.