Basketball great Vinny Del Negro takes first in play-off. (Laney Griffo/ Tahoe Daily Tribune
STATELINE, Nev. — After trailing John Smoltz for most of the final round, Vinny Del Negro won the 32nd American Century Championship after forcing a playoff on the final hole.
The former NBA player and Chicago Bulls head coach tied the MLB Hall of Famer with a birdie on the 18th hole and then birdied it again in the playoff to become the oldest winner and first basketball player to take home the trophy in the event’s 32 years.
In their playoff head-to-head, Del Negro crushed a perfect tee shot down the middle of the fairway. Smoltz then hit a low line-drive that landed in the rough behind trees. He attempted to hit an iron over the trees from about 200 yards out but the ball was knocked down by a limb.