Former Yankee Goes Deep in Tahoe; Paul O'Neill Uncorks 357 Yard Drive To Win Korbel Long Drive Golf Contest.

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. -- Former New York Yankee great Paul O'Neill uncorked a powerful 357 yard drive to win the 15th annual Long Drive Competition sponsored by Korbel Champagne Cellars. The competition was part of the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

O'Neill has had considerable practice uncorking champagne bottles. He was heart and soul of the Yankees championship teams winning five World Series titles in six appearances.

"I played so badly during the day I figured that was the only chance at winning anything. I just got back to the baseball swing a little bit and let'er rip," O'Neill said.

O'Neill's massive drive bested runner-up Houston Texan quarterback David Carr's 324 yard blast. Former NFL quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver finished third with a 316 yard drive. Other celebrities participating in the Korbel Long Drive Competition were former NFL greats Chris Chandler (312 yards), Jerry Rice (307 yards), Trent Dilfer (306 yards), Jim McMahon (301 yards), jockey Corey Nakatani (292 yards), Baltimore Ravens Tight End Todd Heap (257 yards) and actor Anthony Anderson (242 yards).

Carr won the 2005 Long Drive contest with a 334 yard blast with Tolliver finishing second.

The Long Drive Contest has been part of the American Century Champion since 1992. Past winners include Emmitt Smith (1999), Chris Chandler (1997), Pete Sampras (1996) John Elway (1995) and Jim McMahon (1994).

"Champagne and celebration go hand-in-hand and for that reason Korbel is proud to be part of this golf tournament and sponsor of the 15th annual Long Drive Competition," said Gary Heck, owner and president.

The 17th Annual American Century Celebrity Gold Championship takes place Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club. The 54-hole stroke play tournament is the most prestigious and richest celebrity tournament in golf with a $500,000 purse and $100,000 going to the first place finisher.