At first glance, Bobby Flay and Colin Jost might seem like an unlikely duo to dominate a golf course. One is a world-famous chef known for intense culinary competitions, while the other is a comedian and longtime “Saturday Night Live” star famous for his sharp humor and quick wit. However, when it comes to the annual American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, Flay has made it clear that Jost is one of the players he hopes to be paired with every year. The reason is not because the comedian is necessarily the strongest golfer in the field, but because he brings something just as valuable under pressure: the ability to make the entire experience more enjoyable and relaxed.

Bobby Flay recently opened up about why playing alongside Colin Jost has become one of the highlights of the tournament. Speaking on the opening day of the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, California, Flay admitted that he always looks forward to seeing the “Saturday Night Live” star, especially when they end up sharing the same group on the course.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him,” Flay said, explaining that one thing is guaranteed whenever he plays with Jost. “At the very least, I know if I play with Colin, it’s gonna be funny on the golf course.”

For Flay, that sense of humor provides an important advantage during a tournament that is far more intense than many fans realize. Although the American Century Championship is filled with celebrities and is designed to be entertaining, the competitors are still fighting to perform at their best. Behind the jokes, cameras, and famous faces is a serious golf competition where every shot matters.

Flay explained that many people assume the event is simply a casual celebrity outing, but the reality is much different. The players may be laughing between holes, but once they step onto the course, they are focused on their scores and trying to make every possible par.

“People think we’re just having fun. We are, but we’re also trying to make par,” Flay said. “It’s very, very competitive.”

The chef even revealed that the tournament creates more anxiety for him than many of his professional cooking challenges. Despite years of experience competing on Food Network shows such as “Beat Bobby Flay,” where he faces talented chefs under intense time limits, Flay said the pressure of celebrity golf is on another level.

“It’s the most nerve-wracking thing we do all year,” he explained. According to Flay, the competitors are constantly pushing themselves because everyone on the course is determined to succeed.

That pressure is part of what makes Colin Jost such an ideal teammate. While Flay is used to performing in stressful environments, golf requires a different kind of mental toughness. A single mistake can change the outcome of a round, and staying calm becomes just as important as technical skill. Jost’s humor helps create a lighter atmosphere, allowing Flay to enjoy the competition while still remaining focused.

Flay also acknowledged that he enters the tournament as a chef competing against elite athletes, making the challenge even greater. Unlike many of the former professional athletes participating, including NFL stars and NBA legends, Flay’s career has been built around cooking rather than sports.

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

Now making his fifth appearance at the American Century Championship, Flay has developed a deep appreciation for the event. Each summer, he returns not only for the competition but also for the friendships and memorable moments created throughout the tournament.

“I’m always excited to come to the American Century Championship,” Flay said. “It’s something I look forward to all the time.”

The event has also become known for bringing together some of the biggest names from entertainment and sports while supporting charitable causes. Presented by American Century Investments, the tournament has raised more than $8 million for the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and organizations benefiting the Lake Tahoe area.

This year’s lineup features an impressive group of competitors, including former and current professional athletes such as Jason Kelce, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Charles Barkley, Baker Mayfield, and Kyle Juszczyk. When asked who he considered the biggest threat, Flay jokingly gave a simple answer: the entire field.

However, he specifically pointed to NBA superstar Stephen Curry as someone to watch closely. Flay believes Curry, who is known for his competitive nature both on and off the basketball court, could be one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.

“I think Steph Curry is gonna try to win this thing,” Flay said.

Beyond the golf course, Flay and Jost have built a friendship over the years. Their connection became even more visible when Jost appeared as a guest judge on “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2022 alongside chef Carla Hall. During that appearance, Flay jokingly teased Jost about his marriage to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, showing the playful relationship the two entertainers share.

Flay later joined Jost during Jost’s live pregame coverage at the 2025 Ryder Cup, further highlighting their shared interest in golf.

For Jost, the tournament represents another chapter in a career that has taken him far from his Staten Island roots. Born and raised in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, Jost became one of the borough’s most recognizable success stories. After graduating from Regis High School and attending Harvard University, where he became president of the Harvard Lampoon, he built a successful career as a writer and comedian.

Jost joined NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” in 2005 and eventually became one of the most recognizable faces of the show as co-anchor of the iconic “Weekend Update” segment. Despite his national fame, he has continued to reference his Staten Island upbringing in his comedy, interviews, and memoir.

While Bobby Flay and Colin Jost may come from completely different worlds, their partnership at the American Century Championship proves that success on the golf course is not only about skill. Sometimes, having the right person beside you — someone who can keep you laughing when the pressure builds — can make all the difference. For Flay, that person has become Colin Jost, whose humor may be the unexpected secret weapon he looks forward to every tournament season.