SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – Proving that athletic talent isn`t confined to a single sport, former National Hockey League standout Joe Pavelski has taken the early lead at the prestigious American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.
Competing at Edgewood Tahoe, Pavelski demonstrated a keen understanding of the greens, accumulating 23 points under the Modified Stableford scoring system during the first round. This places him atop the leaderboard, a position he narrowly missed claiming last year when he finished second.
“The round was good,” Pavelski commented, acknowledging the initial pressure. “Obviously, the first tee and first-round excitement was there. Nerves were there.”
Trailing by just a single point is former NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, the champion of the 2021 tournament, sitting at 22 points.
Further back, tied at 21 points, are two notable figures: Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who clinched the title in 2023, and former professional soccer player Taylor Twellman. The competitive field ensures a tight race heading into subsequent rounds.
Other prominent athletes are also in contention. Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen posted 19 points, while three-time winner and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo is part of a group at 18 points, alongside Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso. Former tennis player Mardy Fish, a two-time winner, is at 17 points, tied with former MLB pitcher John Smoltz and legendary LPGA Tour star Annika Sorenstam.
Adding his unique flair to the tournament, basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley provided a highlight reel moment by holing out for an eagle from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole. Despite this flash of brilliance, Barkley finished the round with 9 points, tying for 24th place in the 90-player field.
Barkley, ever the entertainer, seemed pleased with his effort. “I had a great day today,” he stated. “I had a lot of fun… I’ve put a lot of time and effort in, and I was very happy with the way I played today.”
Stephen Curry, meanwhile, enjoyed a family affair, playing alongside his father Dell and brother Seth.
“It was obviously fun playing with my dad and my brother, the matching outfits and everything, getting the vibes going,” Curry reflected. “As average as I think I played, I held the big numbers out, which allows you to stay relevant. Excited for tomorrow.”
With a blend of seasoned golf veterans and impressive crossover athletes, the American Century Championship promises an engaging battle on the fairways as players vie for the coveted celebrity title.
