Former NHL player Joe Pavelski secured a decisive victory at the American Century Championship on July 16, 2023, in South Lake Tahoe, California. In a remarkable performance, Pavelski finished the tournament with a score of 73 points under the modified Stableford scoring system, concluding with an eagle that allowed him to beat former Major League Baseball pitcher John Smoltz by nine points.
Pavelski’s achievement marks a significant turnaround from the previous year, where he placed second behind former tennis star Mardy Fish. Reflecting on his win, the 41-year-old expressed his gratitude, stating, “I don’t know what to say, actually. But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.”
The tournament featured a total purse of $750,000, with Pavelski earning $150,000 for his victory. Smoltz, who was in contention throughout the event, finished with a score of 64 points after a 28-point round. “I was trying to put heat on anybody, the top three,” Smoltz remarked after the event. “I was just trying to climb as many people as I could.”
Top Performers and Final Standings
Country music artist Jake Owen rounded out the top three, finishing in third place with a total of 62 points after scoring 21 points in the final round. Former soccer player Taylor Twellman, who shared the second-round lead with Pavelski, placed fourth with a score of 61 points, ending his final round with 17 points.
Defending champion and NBA superstar Stephen Curry finished fifth with a score of 58 points, achieving a solid 23-point round. In contrast, renowned sports analyst Charles Barkley struggled throughout the tournament, placing 69th out of the 90-player field with a score of minus 17 points.
The American Century Championship is a celebrity golf event that attracts top athletes from various sports, blending competition with entertainment in a picturesque setting. Pavelski’s win further solidifies his status as a versatile athlete, excelling both on the ice and on the golf course.
