Competitive golf may be built around scorecards and birdies, but the energy goes up a notch when top athletes from different sports bring their skills to the fairways. That’s exactly what unfolded at the American Century Championship, where retired NHL standout Joe Pavelski delivered an impressive performance to win the celebrity tournament on Sunday.
At 41 years old, Pavelski surged past a stacked field that included basketball sharpshooter Stephen Curry, baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz, and former soccer star Taylor Twellman. He racked up 73 total points over the weekend, with a standout Sunday round that earned him 29 points. His final day was highlighted by five birdies and a dramatic eagle on the 18th hole.
Smoltz nearly kept pace with Pavelski, carding 28 points on Sunday and finishing second with 64 total points. Country music artist Jake Owen placed third at 62 points, while Twellman followed close behind with 61. Defending champion Steph Curry was in the hunt until a double bogey on the final hole knocked him down to fifth place with 58 points.
After receiving the trophy, Pavelski shared what the win meant to him. “It feels so good to finally get one,” he said. “Selfishly, I get to play a bunch of golf. It’s a very competitive group out here and just an awesome setting.”
The victory made his 41st birthday weekend even more memorable, as it also coincided with his 17th wedding anniversary. The former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars forward, a four-time NHL All-Star, also earned \$150,000 from the tournament’s \$750,000 prize pool.
Pavelski becomes just the third NHL player to win the event, joining Dan Quinn and Mario Lemieux. “I got the text last night from Quinny, little pep talk. Pretty awesome to go get one for the hockey guys,” he added. “We’re a tight-knit group. I know they were cheering for me. It’s special to get it done.”
Fans showed up in large numbers, many proudly wearing Sharks and Stars jerseys. Pavelski took note of their support. “It doesn’t go unnoticed when I hear you guys shouting, cheering from behind the rope,” he said. “The hockey side is special, and the connections I had with the fans in San Jose and Dallas mean the world to me.”
