Competitive golf built on scorecards and birdies is fun, but fans go even more wild when all their favorite athletes swap their regular arsenal with golf clubs.
That spirit was front and center at the American Century Championship, where retired NHL star Joe Pavelski pulled off a bold win on Sunday.
It was not an easy job. The 41-year-old outpaced golf lover Stephen Curry, John Smoltz, and Taylor Twellman, piling up 73 points in total, including 29 on Sunday alone.
His showdown included five birdies and a roaring eagle on the 18th hole.
Meanwhile, baseball Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz put up a strong fight with 28 points on Sunday. He finished second with 64 total points.
Jake Owen followed in third with 62, and Taylor Twellman landed fourth at 61.
Steph Curry, who won the event in 2023, was in contention until a costly double bogey on the final hole dropped him to fifth with 58 points.
“It feels so good to finally get one,” Pavelski said, holding the trophy. “Selfishly, I get to play a bunch of golf. It’s a very competitive group out here and just an awesome setting.”
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The win came on his 41st birthday weekend, which also marked his 17th wedding anniversary, a double celebration for the former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars forward.
The 4-time NHL All-Star additionally took home a $150,000 paycheck from the tournament’s $750,000 purse.
He becomes the third NHL player to win the event, joining Dan Quinn and Mario Lemieux.
“I got the text last night from Quinny, little pep talk. Pretty awesome to go get one for the hockey guys,” Pavelski said. “We’re a tight-knit group. I know they were cheering for me. It’s special to get it done.”
The fans were out in full force, many waving Sharks and Stars jerseys, and Pavelski noticed.
“It doesn’t go unnoticed when I hear you guys shouting, cheering from behind the rope,” he said. “The hockey side is special, and the connections I had with the fans in San Jose and Dallas mean the world to me.”
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