​Stateline, NV – Jack Wagner, a two-time American Century Championship winner (2006 and 2011), sat down ahead of the 2026 tournament to discuss growth, goals, and what drives him at 66. The former General Hospital star spoke with me at the Caesars Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Wednesday, sharing his ambitions beyond tying the record as the third three-time winner alongside Tony Romo and Mark Mulder.
Wagner’s primary goal is straightforward: secure a continued place in NBC’s annual celebrity golf event’s 85-plus elite celebrity field. He also wants to demonstrate that he can still compete at a high level despite advancing age. “So every year, I’m really, really grateful to get the invite,” Wagner said. “If I can be competitive, I’m 66 years old…That’s my goal. As you get older, you lose that grind part; you think you have it, but you don’t. That’s my goal, to keep my grind up this year.”
Beyond personal competitiveness, Wagner highlighted the tournament’s unique appeal and why it resonates with both celebrities and fans. He described the event as a perfect blend of a stunning setting and a gathering of a wide array of celebrities who actively engage with spectators. “I think it’s just a perfect combination of a great setting, right? A culmination of so many different celebrities. And I think people put it on their calendar now, vacation-ly,” he said. “Where are you ever gonna find this grouping of athletes and celebrities ever, right? Who are willing to sign autographs, take selfies, play golf… I think that’s really the key to this weekend.”
As one of the event’s most enduring ambassadors, Wagner stands with Jim McMahon as the only two athletes to have appeared in every American Century Championship field since 1990. His long-standing participation is a strong indicator that invitations will continue to flow in the future, ensuring he remains a fixture in the annual lineup for years to come.
For the 2026 edition, the landscape of favorites includes 2024 champion Mardy Fish at +285 and defending champ Joe Pavelski at +290, with Stephen Curry and John Smoltz close behind at +450. Three-time winner Romo sits at +800, alongside women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam at +900, and country star Jake Owen at +1000 in the top tier. Charles Barkley remains a long shot at +7500, illustrating the diverse field that has become a hallmark of the event.
Coverage of the 2026 American Century Championship will air on NBC, NBC Sports Network, and Peacock from Friday through Saturday, July 10–12. Wagner’s remarks underscore the event’s evolution and his personal commitment to remaining a staple of the celebrity-golf circuit, where the intersection of competition, hospitality, and fan engagement continues to drive growth. For fans and aspiring participants alike, the championship remains a premier showcase of celebrity golf and a testament to Wagner’s enduring passion for the sport.