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The serene backdrop of Lake Tahoe served as the perfect setting for the recently concluded American Century Championship. On July 13, Joe Pavelski emerged as the standout competitor, celebrating his 41st birthday weekend with a remarkable victory at the renowned Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. This celebrity golf tournament is known for its unique modified Stableford scoring system, and Pavelski dominated the field, finishing with a score of 73.
Pavelski’s skillful play left no doubt about his win, sealing the deal with a stunning eagle on the final hole. His performance was spectacular, finishing the tournament nine points ahead of his closest competitor, John Smoltz, a Baseball Hall of Famer who made a notable comeback on the last day to secure second place.
Final round highlights
As the final round unfolded, Pavelski was tied for the lead with former soccer star Taylor Twellman. Both players reached a score of 44 after the initial rounds, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. However, Twellman faltered in the last round, settling for fourth place, while country music artist Jake Owen claimed third position.
Notable competitors
The tournament featured familiar faces, including Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ star, who finished in fifth place. The event also saw NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers participate, ranking fifteenth this year after his recent move to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another prominent figure was Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who ended up in sixty-ninth place.
Pavelski’s career and future plans
Joe Pavelski announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 16, after an impressive 18-season career that saw him accumulate a remarkable total of 1,068 points, comprised of 476 goals and 592 assists in 1,332 regular-season games with both the Dallas Stars and the San Jose Sharks.
Prior to his recent victory, Pavelski finished second in 2026 to former tennis player Mardy Fish and took third place in 2026 when Curry claimed the title. His consistent performance at the American Century Championship is a testament to his skill and dedication, marking his ninth appearance at Edgewood, where he has frequently been among the top contenders.
Prize money and future aspirations
For his well-deserved victory, Pavelski received a prize of $150,000, which he humorously mentioned would likely be spent on a new MasterCraft boat. The combination of a birthday celebration and a championship win has made this year especially memorable for the former NHL star.
As the American Century Championship wraps up another thrilling edition, fans and participants alike are already looking forward to what next year will bring. With seasoned competitors like Pavelski continuing to shine on the golf course, the tournament promises to remain a highlight in the sports calendar.