SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – The American Century Championship, the annual celebrity golf tournament held against the stunning backdrop of Edgewood Tahoe, kicked off its first round, and a somewhat unexpected name emerged at the top of the leaderboard: former NHL player Joe Pavelski.
Pavelski, known for his distinguished career on the ice, demonstrated his prowess on the greens, scoring an impressive 23 points under the modified Stableford system used in the competition. This scoring format rewards aggressive play, assigning higher points for eagles and birdies than traditional stroke play.
“The round was good,” Pavelski commented, acknowledging the mix of anticipation and nerves that comes with teeing off in such a high-profile event. His strong start follows a solid performance last year where he finished second, proving his golf game is far from a mere hobby.
The competition, as expected in this gathering of sports and entertainment icons, is tight at the top. Just one point behind Pavelski is Vinny Del Negro, the former NBA player and coach who claimed victory in this event in 2021. Hot on their heels with 21 points are two major stars: Golden State Warriors phenomenon Stephen Curry, the defending champion from 2023, and former U.S. soccer international Taylor Twellman, showing that foot skills can translate, perhaps surprisingly, to precision golf.
The leaderboard is a who`s who of athletics. Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen sits comfortably at 19 points. Tied at 18 points are three-time tournament winner and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso. A group at 17 points features tennis veteran Mardy Fish (the 2020 champion and last year`s runner-up), former MLB pitching great John Smoltz, and golf legend Annika Sorenstam, adding Hall of Fame class to the field.
Providing a moment of characteristic flair – and unexpected golf brilliance – was NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. Known more for the unique mechanics of his swing than consistently low scores, Barkley holed out for an eagle from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole. It was a highlight reel shot that contributed to his first-round total of 9 points, placing him tied for 24th in the 90-player field. Barkley, seemingly genuinely pleased with his effort, remarked on having a “great day” and enjoying his playing partners, a subtle hint that perhaps the focus was on fun as much as the score – though that eagle certainly didn`t hurt.
Adding a personal touch to the tournament, Stephen Curry played his opening round alongside his father, Dell, and brother, Seth, making it a family affair complete with matching outfits. Stephen noted the enjoyment of the family pairing and, despite feeling his play was only “average,” was pleased to have avoided any major scoring disasters, keeping him firmly in contention for the weekend.
With Pavelski setting the pace, but a packed leaderboard of proven competitors close behind, the stage is set for an exciting remainder of the tournament at Edgewood Tahoe. The blend of serious competition and celebrity fun continues, with everyone chasing the former hockey star leading the charge.
