Webber Challenges Barkley To $50,000 Donation

Chris Webber was bad, but Charles Barkley was worse at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe. Could this mean the end of Sir Charles' golfing career?

Prior to the tournament, Webber and Barkley agreed that the loser between the two -- whoever has the higher score at the conclusion of the tournament -- would make a $50,000 contribution in their name to the charitable foundation of the winner. Webber founded The Chris Webber Foundation in 1993 to support youth through literacy awareness and donations in his hometown of Detroit. Barkley founded the Charles Barkley Foundation to support a variety of children’s education causes. By Sunday, one of these foundations will have $50,000 in additional funds to continue making a difference in the community.

Webber finished 79th out of 81 participants with a 307 score for the three-day tournament. That was four strokes better than Barkley, who finished 80th with a 311.

In a July 7 teleconference, Barkley said "As long as Chris Webber is playing, I know I won't come in dead last. I know I can at least beat him." When Barkley was questioned about the odds listing him at 500-1 for winning the title while Chris Webber was listed at 100-1, Barkley responded by saying, "That's embarrassing. That man shot 130. I thank God Chris Webber is going to be here this year. If I get beat by C. Webb, I really have to give this game up. If I can beat C. Webb…that's my goal for this trip."

Upon learning about Barkley’s remarks, Webber personally called and challenged him to more than just bragging rights for the winner.

"If Charles Barkley quits playing golf by losing to me, then people should pay me to win this challenge," Webber said. "I bet I could collect $10, or even $20 a person towards my foundation from each person who wants to see the end of Charles' golf career. I can help put millions of people out of their misery from having to watch his golf swing. We all loved him as a basketball player and tolerate him as a broadcaster, but who really wants to watch Chuck hit a golf ball?"

Barkley has yet to make any sort of formal retirement announcement.

More than 78 sports and entertainment celebrities took part at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, which was won by former NFL quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver. Tolliver received $100,000 for his win from the total purse of $500,000. A portion of the tournament proceeds also benefit multiple charities. For more information, log on to www.tahoecelebritygolf.com.