LAKE TAHOE, NV — A.J. Hawk once again captured the title of “Celebrity Long Drive Champ” by unleashing a booming 337-yard drive to win the 19th Annual Long Drive Competition, sponsored by Korbel Champagne Cellars on July 15, 2011. The competition is a featured event at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, currently being played at the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Fresh off of wrist surgery, NFL Linebacker A.J. Hawk was still able to beat out 14 other sports and entertainment superstars to win the Long Drive contest for the second time in three years. Hawk played an instrumental role in the Green Bay Packer’s Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. An All-American at The Ohio State University, Hawk was the 2005 recipient of the Lombardi Award which is given annually to the nation’s top lineman. Demonstrating his familiarity with champagne and victory celebrations, Hawk accepted the Long Drive Trophy then popped the cork on a big bottle of Korbel and sprayed the enthusiastic crowd.

Denver Bronco’s Quarterback Tim Tebow and NFL Quarterback Kyle Boller tied for second place each driving 327-yards. Other celebrities participating in the Korbel Long Drive Competition included former MLB All-Star Kenny Lofton, Gold Medal Winning Skier Bode Miller, the NBA’s Deron Williams and Shane Battier, and Rules of Engagement actor Oliver Hudson, among others.

The Korbel Long Drive Contest has been a highlight of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship since 1992. Fresh Prince star Alfonso Ribiero won the 2010 contest with an explosive 333-yard drive. NFL Quarterback Kyle Boller’s 323-yard blast placed him in second. Other previous winners include A.J. Hawk (2009), Kenny Lofton (2008), Jim McMahon (2007, 1994 and 1992), Paul O’Neill (2006), Jeremy Roenick (2002 and 2000), Emmitt Smith (1999), Pete Sampras (1996) and John Elway (1995).

“Champagne and celebrations go hand-in-hand and for that reason Korbel is proud to participate in this golf tournament and sponsor the Long Drive Competition,” said Gary Heck, owner and president.

The 22nd Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship takes place July 12th through July 17th at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club and is televised live by NBC Sports. The 54-hole stroke play tournament is the most prestigious and richest celebrity tournament in golf, with a $600,000 purse and $125,000 going to the first place finisher.