For years, Bobby Flay has been known as one of the most fearless competitors in the culinary world. The Food Network star has built his reputation through intense cooking battles, high-pressure kitchen challenges, and shows where every mistake can mean defeat. But despite facing some of the toughest chefs in the industry, Flay recently revealed that the most nerve-wracking competition he takes part in every year does not happen inside a kitchen. Instead, it happens on a golf course, where the pressure is so intense that it keeps him stressed throughout the entire year.

Flay opened up about the surprising source of his anxiety while attending the American Century Championship (ACC) golf tournament presented by American Century Investments in South Lake Tahoe, California. Speaking with PEOPLE on the first day of the celebrity golf event on Wednesday, July 8, the celebrity chef admitted that the tournament brings out a level of pressure unlike anything he experiences in his professional cooking career.

Although fans may assume that someone who has spent decades competing on programs like Beat Bobby Flay would be comfortable handling intense situations, Flay explained that the celebrity golf tournament is a completely different kind of challenge. For him, the pressure of trying to perform well against elite athletes and famous competitors makes the event one of the most stressful experiences of his year.

“People think we’re just having fun,” Flay explained about the tournament atmosphere. “We are, but we’re also trying to make par.” He emphasized that while the event has a social and entertaining side, the competitors are still taking the game seriously. Behind the smiles, jokes, and celebrity appearances, everyone on the course is focused on winning.

Flay described the American Century Championship as “the most nerve-wracking thing we do all year,” explaining that every player is working hard and fighting for every shot. The chef said that anyone participating in the tournament would likely agree that the competition is far more serious than many outsiders realize.

Despite his experience performing under pressure in restaurants and on television, Flay admitted that his background as a chef does not necessarily give him an advantage when facing professional athletes on the golf course.

“Listen, I’m a chef, I cook for a living,” he said. “I’m playing against world-class athletes all over the place, so it’s not easy.”

The tournament attracts a wide range of famous competitors, including professional athletes, entertainers, and celebrities who bring serious competitive energy to the event. This year’s lineup featured names such as Jason Kelce, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Charles Barkley, Baker Mayfield, and Kyle Juszczyk, creating a field filled with experienced sports figures.

Even with such strong competition, Flay said he remains excited to return to the event. The chef revealed that this marks his fifth appearance at the American Century Championship, which has become one of the most anticipated celebrity golf tournaments in the country.

The event, sometimes referred to as the “Super Bowl of celebrity golf tournaments,” is not only about competition. Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $8 million for charitable causes, including the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and local Lake Tahoe nonprofits.

While Flay enjoys the challenge, he also looks forward to the friendships and entertainment that come with the tournament. One person he is especially happy to see on the course is comedian Colin Jost, who has become a close friend over the years.

Flay shared that Jost always brings humor and helps make the stressful environment more enjoyable. The chef explained that he and the Saturday Night Live star have played golf together many times and that he knows there will always be laughter whenever they are paired together.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him,” Flay said. “At the very least, I know if I play with Colin, it’s gonna be funny on the golf course.”

That sense of humor is something Flay clearly values, especially during a tournament where every shot can create pressure. While Jost may not be known primarily as a golfer, his ability to keep people laughing provides a welcome break from the intensity of the competition.

The friendship between Flay and Jost developed through their shared connections in the entertainment world. Jost previously appeared on an episode of Beat Bobby Flay in 2022 alongside chef Carla Hall, where the comedian brought his signature humor to the cooking competition.

During the episode, Flay joked that Jost and Hall were “very funny people who are ready to laugh at my expense.” Jost responded with his own playful comments, even joking that he was prepared to run at Flay and tackle him. Their fun dynamic quickly became a memorable moment for viewers.

Flay later explained that he originally became connected with Jost through his friendship with Jost’s wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. The chef joked about Jost’s marriage to the Hollywood star, teasing him that being married to Johansson was almost unbelievable.

Despite the jokes, Flay has repeatedly praised Jost, describing him as an “amazing” person and someone who brings positive energy wherever he goes.

For Bobby Flay, competing in celebrity golf may seem very different from battling chefs in a kitchen, but the emotional intensity is surprisingly similar. The difference is that instead of managing a restaurant service or creating a winning dish, he is chasing perfect shots against some of the best athletes and competitors in the world.

And while the pressure may keep him nervous all year, Flay continues to return because the challenge, the friendships, and the thrill of competition make the American Century Championship an event he simply cannot miss.