Charles Barkley loses his cool after a golf meltdown at the American Century Championship
Charles Barkley bei der Verleihung der NBA Awards 2017 in der Basketball City am Pier 36 South Street. New York, 26.06.2017 Foto:xD.xVanxTinex/xFuturexImage Charles Barkley at the award Ceremony the NBA Awards 2017 in the Basketball City at Pier 36 South Street New York 26 06 2017 Photo XD xVanxTinex xFuturexImage
Charles Barkley bei der Verleihung der NBA Awards 2017 in der Basketball City am Pier 36 South Street. New York, 26.06.2017 Foto:xD.xVanxTinex/xFuturexImage Charles Barkley at the award Ceremony the NBA Awards 2017 in the Basketball City at Pier 36 South Street New York 26 06 2017 Photo XD xVanxTinex xFuturexImage
Charles Barkley's patience ran out at the American Century Championship after a disastrous sequence around the green left the NBA Hall of Famer visibly frustrated.
In the opening round at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, Barkley found himself in the rough. Having already hit a shot over the back of the green, the 63-year-old failed again on a chip attempt, and his frustration quickly reached its limit.
Barkley, wanting to get out of the rough, attempted a chip shot toward the pin. However, he scuffed the shot, and the ball landed just a few steps in front of him.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former NBA MVP was clearly disappointed with himself. He walked up to the ball and hit it with all his fury. It landed over the front of the green, and the crowd was left in a fit of laughter, as shown on NUCLR GOLF's X post.
It was the highlight of Barkley’s appalling first round. The 63-year-old finished Friday on minus-six points, leaving him tied for 62nd place.
For years, Barkley’s swing was considered the worst. It has been an uphill battle for the TNT analyst to reach his handicap of 10.
However, Friday's mishap adds to his collection of infamous moments. Despite improving in recent years, Barkley has often finished near the bottom of the American Century Championship leaderboard, with a career-best finish of 58th in 2024.
The American Century Championship and the leaderboard after the opening round
This year marks the 37th year of the American Century Championship, owned and broadcast by NBC Sports.
At the made-for-TV event, sports stars and celebrities compete to bring in funds for local and national charities.
After Friday’s play, former NHL star Joe Pavelski sits at the top, as recorded on NBC Sports.
With 29 points, the defending champion has taken the lead. Two-time winner Mardy Fish follows closely behind on 27 points.
NBA superstar Stephen Curry got off to a strong start with 25 points and currently holds third position. Two points behind is former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
One of golf’s greatest, Annika Sorenstam, remained in the mix in fifth position after securing 22 points.
The winner takes home around $150,000, and the stars still have 36 holes to battle it out for it.
What are your thoughts on Barkley’s shot? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav