Charles Barkley's best public round of golf was the story of the 2025 American Century Championship's first day.
That's how NBC Sports is positioning it, anyway.
"...the story of the day was Charles Barkley, the NBA legend who for years was among the worst golfers in the field. Last year he had his best-ever finish, 58th, and on Friday holed out for a 6-point eagle from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole. With his lowest round ever, an 81," wrote in-house reporter Dan Hinxman.
Barkley ended the first day tied for 24th with 9 points.
As Hinxman noted, Barkley finishing not in the bottom third was one of the main stories last year.
Barkley is box office. And in being the most interesting celebrity in Lake Tahoe year in and year out every July, regardless of whether he's playing well or not, Barkley is repping the Auburn brand.
Barkley's caddy bag is decked out with orange and blue AU's. The Leeds, Alabama, product knows where he came from and doesn't forget it among a sea of celebrities in Stateline, Nevada, with thousands watching in attendance and millions more consuming it on TV or via social media clips/articles.
Barkley admitted he put time and effort into being better.
“I had a great day today,” Barkley said. “I had a lot of fun. I played with (comedians) Nate Bargatze and Larry the Cable Guy, two of the best dudes.
“But I’ve put a lot of time and effort in, and I was very happy with the way I played today.”
One could say he put in work. Hard work.
The proud Auburn man Barkley would be the one to say it, too.