Former NHL player Joe Pavelski clinched victory at the American Century Championship on July 16, 2023, in South Lake Tahoe, California. Pavelski produced an impressive performance, finishing with a 29-point round under the modified Stableford scoring system. His total score of 73 allowed him to secure a nine-point lead over former Major League Baseball pitcher John Smoltz, marking a dominant wire-to-wire victory in this prestigious celebrity golf event.
Pavelski’s win comes after he placed second in the previous year’s tournament, where he was narrowly defeated by former tennis star Mardy Fish. Reflecting on his latest achievement, the 41-year-old athlete expressed gratitude and excitement, stating, “I don’t know what to say, actually. But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.” For his efforts, Pavelski earned a prize of $150,000 from the total purse of $750,000.
Strong Competition and Notable Performances
Smoltz, who ended the tournament with a 28-point round, acknowledged the competitive atmosphere. “I was trying to put heat on anybody, the top three,” he remarked, emphasizing his strategy to climb the leaderboard. Country music star Jake Owen finished in third place with a total of 62 points after a solid performance of 21 points in the final round.
Former soccer player Taylor Twellman, who had shared the second-round lead with Pavelski, took fourth place with a score of 61, recording 17 points in the final round. Notably, NBA star Stephen Curry, the 2023 winner, finished fifth with a total of 58 points after a 23-point round.
Among the 90-player field, former NBA player Charles Barkley struggled, finishing in 69th place with a score of minus-17 points. The event, held at the picturesque Edgewood Tahoe golf course, attracted significant attention, showcasing a blend of sports and entertainment.
Pavelski’s victory highlights not only his talent on the golf course but also his ability to engage with fans and fellow competitors alike. His triumphant return to the American Century Championship solidifies his status as a versatile athlete, excelling beyond the ice rink and into the world of celebrity sports events.