Joe Pavelski, the former NHL superstar, concluded his 41st birthday weekend in the most spectacular way possible—by claiming victory at the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe. The tournament, held at the breathtaking Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, saw Pavelski showcasing his incredible skill and poise throughout the competition, cementing his place among the event’s elite winners. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the attention of fans and fellow athletes alike.
Pavelski’s remarkable victory on July 13, 2025, not only marked a personal achievement but also acted as the perfect birthday gift to himself. Known for his competitive nature and drive, Pavelski entered the tournament with a clear goal—to win it all on his special day. From the first round, it was clear that the former NHL player was determined to make his mark. He started strong, displaying a calm yet aggressive approach on the greens and making the most of each shot.
By the time the final round arrived, Pavelski had built an impressive lead, taking charge of the tournament with a commanding score of 73 points in the modified Stableford scoring system used in the event. This scoring method rewards aggressive play, with positive points for birdies and eagles, while punishing mistakes with negative points. Pavelski’s ability to navigate the intricacies of this format showed his experience as a seasoned competitor, whether on the ice or the golf course.
His win was highlighted by an incredible eagle on the final hole, which sealed the victory and left no doubt about who the true champion was. The eagle not only displayed his technical skill but also his mental fortitude, remaining calm under pressure, especially with the tournament’s outcome on the line. This final hole triumph symbolized the perfect conclusion to an event that was defined by his steady play and sportsmanship.
Finishing the tournament nine points ahead of his closest competitor, Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz, Pavelski’s victory was a testament to his consistency and skill. Smoltz, who entered the final round tied for sixth, made a valiant push for the top spot, rallying strongly and securing second place. His persistence throughout the competition was admirable, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the powerful performance from Pavelski.
The final day saw some shifting in the leaderboard, with Pavelski and former soccer player Taylor Twellman neck-and-neck heading into the round. Both athletes were tied at 44 points after the first two rounds, a strong showing for both. However, as the final round unfolded, Twellman struggled to keep up and ultimately finished in fourth place. It was a bitter disappointment for Twellman, who had hoped to achieve a breakthrough win, but the competition remained fierce, and Pavelski’s consistent excellence proved unbeatable.
In a solid showing, country music star Jake Owen secured third place, just behind Smoltz, further demonstrating the high level of competition at the event. While Owen’s performance was impressive, he ultimately couldn’t surpass the veteran athletes ahead of him. The American Century Championship was an exciting spectacle, featuring a wide range of personalities from different sports and industries, all united by their passion for golf.
The American Century Championship is known for attracting an all-star lineup of celebrities and athletes, and this year was no exception. Among the notable names were Golden State Warriors’ basketball icon Stephen Curry, who continued to show his prowess on the golf course with a solid fifth-place finish. Curry’s performance was particularly impressive considering the high level of competition he was up against. As one of the top contenders in previous tournaments, Curry’s ability to stay competitive in both basketball and golf is a testament to his versatility and commitment to excellence.
NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, also participated in the tournament, finishing in 15th place. His presence added an extra layer of intrigue, with fans eager to see how the football legend would fare in a different sport. Despite not finishing at the top of the leaderboard, Rodgers’ participation generated significant attention, underscoring the growing appeal of celebrity golf tournaments in attracting athletes from multiple disciplines.
The tournament also featured the inimitable Charles Barkley, the former NBA star turned basketball analyst, who secured a 69th-place finish. Barkley’s lighthearted approach to the competition added a fun element to the event, as he showcased his unique sense of humor on the course. Barkley, who has participated in the tournament for years, was a crowd favorite, even though his golfing skills didn’t match those of the top contenders.
For Joe Pavelski, this victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the tournament. He had come close to winning in previous years, finishing second in 2024 to former tennis player Mardy Fish and third in 2023 when Curry emerged victorious. Despite his consistent presence near the top of the leaderboard, Pavelski had not yet claimed the title until now.
His performance in the 2025 American Century Championship was the result of years of experience, preparation, and a fierce determination to win. His steady approach to the game, coupled with his background in professional sports, allowed him to remain composed throughout the tournament. Having been a top contender year after year, Pavelski’s victory was a long-awaited triumph that finally solidified his place among the tournament’s greatest champions.
In addition to the prestige and personal satisfaction of winning, Pavelski also earned a significant prize—$150,000 for his first-place finish. When asked what he would do with the winnings, Pavelski revealed that he planned to invest in a new MasterCraft boat. This was a fitting reward for his performance, as it allowed him to enjoy a luxurious and well-deserved leisure activity after an intense and hard-fought tournament.
Pavelski’s win also highlighted his ongoing transition from a successful NHL career to his post-retirement life. After announcing his retirement from professional hockey on July 16, 2024, Pavelski’s victory at Lake Tahoe added another memorable chapter to his illustrious career. Throughout his 18 seasons in the NHL, he accumulated 1,068 career points, including 476 goals and 592 assists, in 1,332 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks. His retirement marked the end of an era for the NHL, but his competitive spirit continues to shine through in his post-retirement activities, including his impressive golf tournament victories.
Pavelski’s achievement at the American Century Championship serves as a reminder that athletes can continue to thrive and excel in new pursuits after retiring from their primary sport. His victory not only solidifies his place in the world of celebrity golf but also serves as an inspiration to other retired athletes looking to embrace new challenges.
As Pavelski moves forward, it’s clear that his love for competition is far from over. With a future filled with new opportunities, whether on the golf course or beyond, Joe Pavelski’s legacy as a multi-sport competitor is just beginning. And for fans who have followed his remarkable career, this victory at Lake Tahoe is a fitting celebration of the dedication, passion, and determination that have defined his life in sports.
This thrilling win at the American Century Championship proves that Pavelski still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, no matter the sport.
