🏆 Joe Pavelski Wins 2025 American Century Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe
Joe Pavelski wins golf’s top celebrity event — the American Century Championship — going wire-to-wire to claim the title at Lake Tahoe on July 13, 2025. The retired NHL great sealed his victory in style with an eagle on the final hole, finishing nine points ahead of Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz.
⛳ A Birthday to Remember: Pavelski’s Wire-to-Wire Performance
Celebrating his 41st birthday weekend, Pavelski delivered a dominant performance throughout the three-day event at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, maintaining a lead in the modified Stableford scoring system and capping off the tournament with a final score of 73 points.
- Final Hole Eagle: A dramatic finish ensured Pavelski would leave no doubt.
- Consistency: Tied with Taylor Twellman at 44 points after two rounds, Pavelski surged ahead on Sunday.
🥈 Final Leaderboard – Top 5 Finishers
- Joe Pavelski – 73 points
- John Smoltz – 64 points
- Jake Owen – 61 points
- Taylor Twellman – 59 points
- Stephen Curry – 58 points
🌟 Big Names, Bigger Competition
The 2025 American Century Championship featured an impressive roster of athletes and entertainers:
- Stephen Curry (NBA) – 5th
- Aaron Rodgers (NFL, now with the Steelers) – 15th
- Charles Barkley (NBA legend & TNT analyst) – 69th
- Jake Owen (Country singer) – 3rd
- Taylor Twellman (Soccer) – 4th
🏒 Life After Hockey: Pavelski’s New Winning Streak
Pavelski, who retired from the NHL in July 2024, ended his career with 1,068 points over 18 seasons. Known for his consistency and leadership with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, he has seamlessly transitioned into the world of competitive celebrity golf. Joe Pavelski wins golf.
This victory wasn’t a fluke — Pavelski placed second in 2024 and third in 2023, consistently performing at the top of the celebrity golf field.
💸 Prize Money & What’s Next
For winning the championship, Pavelski earned $150,000, which he jokingly said would go toward a new MasterCraft boat. It was his ninth appearance at the Lake Tahoe event — and finally, his year to shine.
🧠 Why This Win Matters
- Historic First Win after multiple close calls
- Outperformed elite athletes across sports disciplines
- Boosts his profile in the post-hockey spotlight
- Continues building his brand as a serious celebrity golfer
❓FAQs
Is Joe Pavelski retired from the NHL?
Yes, he retired in July 2024 after 18 seasons.
How many times has Pavelski played the American Century Championship?
Nine times — with this being his first victory.
Who finished second in the 2025 tournament?
John Smoltz, Baseball Hall of Famer, with 64 points.
✅ Conclusion
Joe Pavelski’s golf victory at the 2025 American Century Championship wasn’t just a birthday present — it was a masterclass in poise, power, and precision. The former NHL star has proven he’s not just a hockey legend, but a force to be reckoned with on the fairways as well.
