SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – In a surprising turn of events at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, former NHL forward Joe Pavelski has swapped his skates for golf spikes and landed atop the leaderboard after the first round.
Competing at the picturesque Edgewood Tahoe course, Pavelski demonstrated that his precision isn`t limited to the hockey rink. He accumulated 23 points under the modified Stableford scoring system, establishing a narrow lead over a field packed with legends from various sports.
Pavelski, who finished second in this event last year, acknowledged the familiar mix of excitement and nerves that comes with competitive play, regardless of the sport. His performance puts him just one point ahead of former NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, the champion in 2021.
The top of the leaderboard is tightly contested. Reigning champion and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is only two points back at 21, tied with former soccer player Taylor Twellman. Further down, a host of familiar names are vying for position, including Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen (19 points) and three-time winner, former NFL quarterback Tony Romo (18 points), who is tied with Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso.
Other prominent figures like two-time champion Mardy Fish, former MLB pitcher John Smoltz, and LPGA icon Annika Sorenstam are also in the mix, sitting at 17 points after day one. The caliber of the field underscores the impressiveness of Pavelski`s initial performance.
Highlighting the unique nature of the event, basketball analyst and personality Charles Barkley provided one of the day`s most memorable moments, holing out for an eagle from 88 yards on the second hole. While Barkley`s swing is often a topic of amusement, his eagle contributed significantly to his first-round score of 9 points, placing him in the middle of the pack. Barkley expressed satisfaction, noting the fun atmosphere and his effort despite the outcome.
Stephen Curry, playing alongside his father Dell and brother Seth, reflected on the round, emphasizing the importance of avoiding major mistakes (“holding the big numbers out”) to remain competitive. The family dynamic added a personal touch to the high-stakes celebrity competition.
As the tournament heads into the weekend, the question remains: Can the veteran hockey player continue his unexpected charge and fend off the challenge from golf-savvy athletes and past champions? Pavelski`s strong start has certainly set the stage for an intriguing finish at Edgewood Tahoe.
Tristan Blackwood