Two-time American Century Championship winner Jack Wagner talks tournament growth, his remaining ACC goals

Stateline, NV – Jack Wagner has won the American Century Championship twice, in 2006 and 2011. Ahead of the 2026 American Century Championship, I got a chance to speak to the former General Hospital star at the Caesars Celebrity Pro AM Golf Tournament on Wednesday. I asked what his remaining goals were besides being the third three-time winner, along with former NFL quarterback Tony Romo and former MLB ace Mark Mulder.

Wagner simply wants to be part of the 85-plus celebrity field for NBC’s annual celebrity golf tournament moving forward. He also wants to continue proving he has plenty left in the tank at 66 years old.

“So every year, I'm really, really grateful to get the invite,” Wagner said. “If I can be competitive, I’m 66 years old…That's my goal. As you get older, you lose that grind part; you think you have it, but you don’t. That’s my goal, to keep my grind up this year.”

In speaking to the tournament’s growth, Wagner explained why the event is one of a kind for the celebrities and fans.

“I think it's just a perfect combination of a great setting, right? A culmination of so many different celebrities. And I think people put it on their calendar now, vacationally,” Wagner said. “Where are you ever gonna find this grouping of athletes and celebrities ever, right? Who are willing to sign autographs, take selfies, play golf… I think that's really the key to this weekend.”

A great ambassador of the event and one of two athletes, along with former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon, to take part in every American Century Championship field since 1990, Wagner should have no worries about being invited back next year and beyond.

Who is favored to win the 2026 American Century Championship?

2024 champion Mardy Fish (+285) and defending champion Joe Pavelski (+290) are the two favorites to win the 2026 American Century Championship.

Steph Curry and John Smoltz (+450) are right behind them. Three-time winner Tony Romo (+800), women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam (+900), and Jake Owen (+1000) round out the top tier of contenders.

Charles Barkley (+7500) is the longest shot on the board.

The 2026 American Century Championship will air on NBC, the NBC Sports Network, and Peacock from Friday to Saturday (July 10-12).