Jerry Rice plays one more time before tournament begins

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice has a golf swing that's almost as graceful as one of his 90-yard touchdown receptions. But even with his smooth swing, it was clear during the practice rounds Thursday that he needs more than an attractive swing to win the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

The 54-hole tournament, held at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, starts today and runs through Sunday. The Tournament carries a $500,000 purse, with the winner taking home $100,000.

Defending champ Rick Rhoden, a former all-star pitcher, also won the tournament on four other occasions. He has an average score of 70.96 in his nine years in the tournament.

In his practice round, Rice was grouped with Wayne Jordan, Denny Engelman, Jack Haneman, and Gary Burke. A contingent of 49er fans followed Rice around the golf course, which didn't seem to affect 12-time all-pro.

"When you're on the course, you're basically locked in and not worried about what's going on around you," said Rice after he was asked if the fans distracted him on the course.

Kids gathered around every tee box and green to try and get an autograph, but nothing compared to the madness after the ninth hole. After making double bogey, Rice ran to the clubhouse for a bathroom break while dozens of kids chased after him. But they couldn't catch him.

"I don't have a problem with it because it gives them an opportunity to get up close to you,"Rice said.

Rice made 14-year Chris Carland's day when he signed a puzzle Carland had made two years ago while at South Tahoe Middle School. Carland brought the puzzle on Thursday specifically so Rice could sign it, which the star receiver did after the third hole.

Rice shot a 2-over on the back nine and birdied both par 5s on the front nine. If he shoots similar to that this weekend, he could improve on last year's 37th place finish.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins center Dan Quinn and Dick Anderson, a former all-pro safety for the Miami Dolphins, will challenge Rhoden. But Rhoden is still the man to beat, Rice said.

Despite the tournament favorites, Rice is still taking this weekend seriously, which was obvious after he missed several mid-range putts. If he messed up on a shot, he'd swing his club violently into the air, angered by his poor play.

"The most frustrating part of golf is that you can shoot a good round and think you've mastered the game," Rice said. "And then you come back and shoot a terrible round."

But some golfers think Rice might be a darkhorse favorite to win the tournament.

At the driving range Tuesday, NBC announcer Ahmad Rashad said his pick to win the tournament was Rice, but Rice isn't so sure about Rashad's prediction.

"I don't know," Rice laughed. "I'd have to get really hot."