SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – From the ice rink to the links, former NHL star Joe Pavelski is proving his athletic prowess extends well beyond slapping pucks. After the first round of the star-studded American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, it`s Pavelski who finds himself leading the pack.
Pavelski, who previously notched a runner-up finish in this very event last year behind tennis pro Mardy Fish, posted an impressive score of 23 points under the tournament`s modified Stableford scoring system. This format rewards aggressive play, giving points for eagles, birdies, and pars, while penalizing bogeys and worse – a system that seems to suit the former forward`s competitive nature.
Reflecting on his opening round, Pavelski admitted the familiar mix of excitement and “nerves” were present, but clearly, he managed them effectively. His transition from a demanding professional hockey career to competitive golf in retirement appears to be remarkably smooth.
The leaderboard, however, is stacked with formidable celebrity talent. Just one point shy of Pavelski is former NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, the tournament champion in 2021, sitting at 22 points. Right behind him, tied at 21 points, are the defending champion, NBA superstar Stephen Curry, and former U.S. soccer standout Taylor Twellman.
The chase pack includes names well-known across the sports landscape. Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen is at 19 points, while three-time tournament winner, former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, and Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso are tied at 18 points. Last year`s winner, Mardy Fish, along with baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, are all within striking distance at 17 points.
Providing one of the day`s most talked-about moments – perhaps slightly against expectations for those familiar with his swing history – was basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. Sir Charles drained an eagle from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole. While he finished the round tied for 24th with 9 points overall, that single shot offered a glimpse of potential (or just brilliant luck) and certainly entertained the crowds. Barkley himself expressed satisfaction, stating he had put in significant “time and effort” and was “very happy” with his round. Maybe those practice hours are finally yielding results?
Meanwhile, defending champion Stephen Curry enjoyed a family dynamic on the course, playing alongside his father Dell and brother Seth. Despite describing his own play as merely “average,” Curry noted the importance of avoiding big mistakes, a strategy that keeps him firmly in the hunt heading into the crucial weekend rounds.
As the American Century Championship continues, the focus remains on whether the retired hockey great Joe Pavelski can hold off a charging field of champions and world-class athletes. The stage is set for a compelling battle on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
