Former MLB player Derek Lowe looks forward to his next chance at the American Century event.

Derek Lowe on His Upcoming Golf Tournament Experience

Derek Lowe made a name for himself as a reliable starting pitcher, playing a significant role in helping the Boston Red Sox end the infamous “Bambino Curse.” Over his career, he also donned uniforms for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. When he stepped away from baseball during the 2013 season, he traded his glove for a set of golf clubs.

Next month, Lowe will participate in the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, something he has eagerly anticipated all year.

“This is No. 1, it’s really true,” he mentioned, recalling the excitement he feels when the invitations go out. “I start checking my emails as soon as I know they’re coming. It’s hard to explain, but there’s no tournament quite like this one. Even though you can play in various member events, this one… it’s just special.”

He added, “It’s a fantastic atmosphere. Not sure many people get to Tahoe often, but it’s a beautiful place. The weather is usually superb.”

Last year, Lowe finished fifth in the tournament, trailing behind notable names like Mardy Fish and Annika Sorenstam. The previous years saw him ranking seventh in 2023 and eighth in 2022. This time around, he returns to defend his title after a missed opportunity last year.

Lowe admitted that, even with his experience as an MLB player, he still feels starstruck meeting other athletes and celebrities. “Absolutely,” he stated. “I remember meeting Stephen Curry and Patrick Mahomes. You walk in and think, ‘Wow,’ and try not to act too starry-eyed. But really, we’re all fans of each other’s sports.”

The American Century Championship will unfold from July 9th to 13th. This tournament not only showcases an impressive field of athletes but also supports both local and national charities, employing a Stableford format where points are scored based on performance on individual holes.

Lowe, participating for the twelfth time, expressed that this tournament is his favorite time of the year. “Playing golf on such a beautiful course in Tahoe with great fans is just incredible. I’ve been close to winning several times, but it hasn’t happened yet. I tend to practice a bit more as the date approaches, and everyone enjoys the competition. Overall, the camaraderie is fantastic.”