Dramatic Swing Gives Alfonso Ribeiro the Title in Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Alfonso Ribeiro captured the title of "Celebrity Long Drive Champ" by unleashing a booming 333-yard drive to win the Annual Long Drive Competition, sponsored by Korbel Champagne Cellars on July 16, 2010. The competition is a featured event at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship played at the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100719/SF36640)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100719/SF36640)

Best known for his role as Carlton Banks on the TV sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Ribeiro is not only an actor but an avid dancer and director as well. While not a professional athlete, Ribeiro clearly held his own in the Long Drive Competition against a slate of sports stars.  A crowd favorite, Ribeiro served as comic relief throughout the competition until he stepped up to the plate and wowed his fellow competitors with the best drive of the day.

Although lacking the experience with locker room celebratory sprays of some of his competition, Ribeiro looked like a seasoned professional as he accepted his Long Drive Trophy, then popped the cork on a big bottle of Korbel and enthusiastically sprayed the crowd.  

Quarterback Kyle Boller's 323-yard blast placed him in second, and actor Oliver Hudson finished third with a 315-yard shot. Other celebrities participating in the Korbel Long Drive Competition included current and former NFL stars Joe Theismann, Jonathan Ogden, A.J. Hawk and Robbie Gould as well as NFL Head Coach Jack Del Rio, former MLB All-Stars John Smoltz, Kenny Lofton and Joe Carter, and NBA's Shane Battier.

The Korbel Long Drive Contest has been a highlight of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship since 1992. NFL Pro Bowl Linebacker A.J. Hawk won the 2009 contest with an explosive 322-yard drive. Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback Chris Chandler's 321-yard blast placed him in second. Other previous winners include Kenny Lofton (2008), Jim McMahon (2007, 1994 and 1992), Paul O'Neill (2006), Jeremy Roenick (2002 and 2000), Emmitt Smith (1999), Pete Sampras (1996) and John Elway (1995).  

"Champagne and celebrations go hand-in-hand and for that reason, Korbel is proud to participate in this golf tournament and sponsor the Long Drive Competition," said Gary Heck, owner and president.

The 21st Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship took place July 13 through July 18 at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club and was televised live by NBC Sports. The 54-hole stroke play tournament is the most prestigious and richest celebrity tournament in golf, with a $600,000 purse and $125,000 going to the first place finisher.

Celebrate responsibly.

SOURCE Korbel Champagne Cellars

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