In an epic battle between former winners, NFL kicker Josh Scobee edged former MLB pitcher Rick Rhoden to win the 21st Celebrity Championship at Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan Casino. After 18 holes on Saturday, six-time winner Rhoden held a two stroke lead over both two-time winner Scobee and Super Bowl XLVIII champion wide receiver Bryan Walters, leading to an exciting final round on Sunday.

Defending his back-to-back titles in 2017-18, Scobee started Sunday with a poor tee shot, but scrambled for par on the first hole. After 9 holes, Rhoden held a one-stroke lead over Scobee while Walters faded, making it a two-person race. Scobee birdied 13 to come from behind and tied Rhoden at 5-under par. After two Rhoden bogies, Scobee took and held the lead for his third consectutive championship.

Playing with the leaders were 27 other celebrities from sports and Hollywood — including SDSU alum and NFL Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, additional Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Charlie Joiner from the NFL and Grant Fuhr from the NHL. From Hollywood, our players included Frankie Muniz (“Malcolm in the Middle”, “Dancing with the Stars”), Patrick St. Esprit (“S.W.A.T.”, “Hunger Games”), and Boyd Kestler (“G.I. Jane”, “Hannibal”) and comedian Tom Dreesen. Other notable local sports stars included former San Diego Chargers Quentin Jammer, Pete Shaw and Hank Bauer plus former San Diego Padres Garry Templeton, Bret Boone and Kurt Bevacqua.

As a special thank you to our armed services, veterans, first responders and teachers, the Ralphs and Sycuan dedicated the final day of the tournament to honoring all of the heroes in our community with “Community Heroes Appreciation Day” at the Celebrity Championship. These special individuals and families play a pivotal role in making San Diego, America’s Finest City, so our “thank you” for included free admission, free lunch from Dang Bros. Pizza and Eastbound Bar & Grill plus free autographs from our celebrities.

At the core of the Celebrity Championship, they strive to raise money throughout the event to benefit local charities. This year, the charitable efforts benefited the Junior Seau Foundation and Challenged Athletes Foundation. The Junior Seau Foundation’s mission is to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs. At the Challenged Athletes Foundation, their goal is to provide physically challenged people with the tools they need to pursue active and healthy lifestyles. They advocate for all levels of physical activity as a way to enhance quality of life for all.

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