STATELINE -- Kevin Nealon has one goal this week at the 14th annual American Century Championship. But his goal is what 77 others expect to do.
"I just want to beat (Charles) Barkley, I don't think I've done it yet," said Nealon, who, like Barkley, is listed by Caesars Tahoe as a 500-to-1 favorite to win this weekend. "People always say 'Oh, anyone can beat him, have you seen his swing?' And I just keep quiet because I haven't beat him yet."
Actually Nealon, who became famous for his record 10-year run on Saturday Night Live, questions Caesars' prognosticators for the 54-hole tournament that begins on Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
"I think it's 2,000-to-1, seriously," Nealon said after his practice round on Tuesday.
Might as well be 200,000-to-1 for Nealon, who shot a three-day total of 299 (83 over par) in last year's tournament. He finished in 70th place. Last year Barkley, who traditionally spends his nights in Stateline playing high limit blackjack, finished in 69th place at 77-over. But after glancing at his scorecard from Tuesday, Nealon thinks his futile attempt to win demands a small wager on himself "just in case something happens."
"I got a lot of numbers on there. Some are better than others. I am thinking about bowling. I could put a lot of spin on the ball," joked Nealon, who generously lists himself as a 22 handicap. "I don't golf that much so I have to get used to golfing again and also the altitude. I've always said 'It's attitude vs. altitude.' One year I am going to come back after playing every day and stretching every day and win this thing."
Placing wagers on yourself is a popular hobby for this tournament. Two-time defending champion Dan Quinn and five-time winner Rick Rhoden are both listed as the favorites at 6-to-5. Actor Jack Wagner and former NFL kicker Al Del Greco are next at 6-1. Former NFL quarterback Billie Joe Tolliver, who won the tournament in 1996 and finished second in 2002, is an 8-1 favorite.
Another popular bet Caesars offers is special parlays between this tournament and the British Open. If both Quinn and Tiger Woods win this week, for example, the payoff is 6-1. If Rhoden and Woods both win, the payoff is 7-1.
"Two years ago we had a little better odds," said Quinn, who said he doesn't bet much when he's in Nevada. "This year I might have to scout out a few other players. It is fun to think of the prop bets and match ups. Last year I still have my ticket with me and Tiger (Woods) winning the British. I held up my end, I don't know what happened to him."
Even in Nevada, though, not everybody is jumping at the opportunity to lay money down on themselves at the sports book. Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback star Kyle Boller has made just a friendly wager with Chris Redman, also a quarterback with Baltimore. Redman, who probably has already beaten out Boller for the starting job in 2003, has a history of beating the former University of California star.
"I got a little bet going with Chris Redman," Boller said. "We've played a few times back in Baltimore and he's beaten me. Hopefully I'll catch fire and beat him. My game is good. I have the capability of getting hot and shooting in the 70s."
Nealon, however, doesn't.
