WATCH: NBA icon Charles Barkley has a close call with wild bears while teeing up at the American Century Championship with Larry The Cable Guy

By Shobhit Kukreti

Modified Jul 13, 2024 17:47 GMT

Charles Barkley and others encounter a bear during the American Century Championship (Image 1 via Golf Channel, Image 2 via Brett Forrest)

NBA legend Charles Barkley and others had a close encounter with a wild bear family. This happened during the opening round of the American Century Championship on Friday, July 12.

Barkley and several other sporting superstars are at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort for the 2024 American Century Championship. A few influencers, such as Larry the Cable Guy, are also competing at the exhibition event.

During the opening round of the American Century Championship, a bear and two cubs entered the course in search of food. They were captured by multiple fans, and the videos went viral online. Here's one clip shot by Brett Forrest:

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As per Phil Weidinger, the principal at Weidinger Public Relations, the bear and two cubs were running in the marsh gully between the two par 3s. This area was away from public access.

According to SF Gate, the organizers have now called Bear League, an NGO that works for coexistence with bears. The volunteers will help keep the bears away from the greens as well as food tents. They will also educate people on how to react in such encounters without inciting the bears.

How did Charles Barkley perform at the American Century Championship, Round 1?

Charles Barkley carded 12-over 84 in the opening round of the American Century Championship and was tied for 48th after the opening round. He had a tough outing as he could make just two birdies and ended up making four bogeys and four double bogeys.

After the first round, Adam Thielen is leading with 24 points and is one point ahead of Mardy Fish. Here's the leaderboard for the American Century Championship after Round 1: