Joe Pavelski, the former San Jose Sharks forward, finally captured his first American Century Championship (ACC) victory after nine years of competition at Edgewood Tahoe. Pavelski finished with 73 points, securing the win after near misses in previous years, including a 3rd place finish in 2023 and 2nd in 2024.
"I believed I was ready for it," Pavelski said. "There was a stretch, probably two, three weeks ago, I was playing really good... I hit it as good as I probably have ever hit it out here.” He began the final day tied with Taylor Twellman, but ultimately outperformed him.
John Smoltz finished second with 64 points, followed by Jake Owen with 62. Smoltz acknowledged Pavelski's strong performance, stating, "I needed to play a clean round. It wouldn’t have mattered anyways the way Joe played and finished." Smoltz also highlighted the advantage hockey players often have in golf, citing their power and hand-eye coordination.
The final day of the ACC saw enthusiastic crowds and rising temperatures as celebrities competed for the championship. Chris Harrison, best known as the host of "The Bachelor," drew parallels between the pressure of reality TV and the stress of competitive golf. He awarded his “final roses” to Kyle Lowry for most improved player and Taylor Twellman for best performing player.
Fox News host Brett Baier, who played alongside Seth and Dell Curry, also discussed the pressures of golf, noting that it felt even more intense than political commentary.
Pavelski expressed his appreciation for the support from Sharks fans, saying, "I’d also like to give a little shout out to all the Sharks fans, the Bay Area fans, I obviously spent 13 years there, and it doesn’t go unnoticed when I hear you guys shouting from behind the ropes and seeing the jerseys, seeing the cards and the kids.”
Pavelski is the third hockey player to win the ACC, joining Dan Quinn.