SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. — Former NHL star Joe Pavelski has taken the early lead at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Competing under a modified Stableford scoring system at Edgewood Tahoe on Friday, Pavelski accumulated 23 points during the first round.
Reflecting on his performance, Pavelski, who finished second in last year`s event behind former tennis player Mardy Fish, said, “The round was good. Obviously, the first tee and first-round excitement was there. Nerves were there.”
Vinny Del Negro, a former NBA player and coach who won the celebrity tournament in 2021, is closely trailing Pavelski, sitting just one point back.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors standout and winner of the 2023 tournament, is currently two points behind the leader with a score of 21, tied with former soccer professional Taylor Twellman.
Other notable scores from the first round include Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen with 19 points. Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, a three-time champion of the event, is at 18 points, matching Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso. Mardy Fish, the 2020 winner, is tied at 17 points with former pitcher John Smoltz and former LPGA Tour great Annika Sorenstam.
In a highlight moment, Charles Barkley holed out for an eagle from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole. He finished his round with nine points, placing him in a tie for 24th among the 90 participants.
“I had a great day today,” Barkley commented. “I had a lot of fun. I played with Nate Bargatze and Larry the Cable Guy, two of the best dudes. But I’ve put a lot of time and effort in, and I was very happy with the way I played today.”
Stephen Curry played his round alongside his father, Dell, and brother, Seth.
“It was obviously fun playing with my dad and my brother, the matching outfits and everything, getting the vibes going,” Stephen Curry remarked. “As average as I think I played, I held the big numbers out, which allows you to stay relevant. Excited for tomorrow.”
