NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Minnesota Twins icon Joe Mauer will be among the athletes in the field for the American century championship near Lake Tahoe next month.
Mauer finished tied to 16 last year in one of the best finishes he has put together in the last few years. He complimented Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club in an interview with Pakinomist Digital, but admitted he still needs to work on his golf game a little.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Former MLB baseball player Joe Mauer looks near the 18th hole on day two of the US championship in the 2024 century at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 13, 2024 in Stateline, Nevada. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
“I’m excited about it,” he said of the tournament. “It’s been a good time out there for the last few years and it’s been fun kind to bring the family out and it’s been transformed into a nice little tradition to go out there in the summer. It’s a beautiful place.
“But as for my golf game, I could use a little more work. I enjoy coming out there and competing with the other great athletes and underholders,” he continued. “That kind of make it feels like you’re on tour for a few days there. It’s a great atmosphere, a wonderful part of the country, and I would encourage someone to come out there and see it if they haven’t done so.”
Mauer is one of a handful of former baseball players who step into the tee box to try to keep their ball just enough for some good shots.
WWE STAR THE MIZ LIFTS TO TAKE NBA GREAT CHARLES Barkley on this year’s US century
Joe Mauer Putts during the US Championship in Century at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, Friday, July 12, 2019. (Tom R. Blacksme, Tom R. Blacksmith via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
Baseball Hall of Famer explained that he picked up the sport after moving to Florida when he was elected in the MLB draft and tried to get out on a course a few times a week during his career.
“I really enjoy the game now that I’m retired,” he said. “I get an opportunity to play a little more. I love the game. Obviously, it’s really challenging, it’s really hard. But you know it’s our working line with baseball. You can never perfect the game but you can definitely try.
The American century championship festivals begin on July 9 and run through July 13.
The tournament will also raise money for local and national charities. The event is a 54-hole stableford format, where golfers earn points for each hole based on the scoring for pairs. The golfer, who achieves the most points wins.
Minnesota Twin’s first Baseman Joe Mauer, #7, triple in the sixth round against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field in Minneapolis on August 1, 2018. (Brad Rempel-USA Today Sports)
Former tennis star Mardy Fish won the tournament last year. Stephen Curry was the winner in 2023. The Golden State Warriors star will be back in the field.
