SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. — Former NHL player Joe Pavelski grabbed the first-round lead at the American Century Championship on Friday, racking up 23 points at Edgewood Tahoe.
“The round was good,” said Pavelski, who finished second to Mardy Fish in last year’s tournament. “Obviously, the first tee and first-round excitement was there. Nerves were there.”
Former NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, who won this celebrity tournament in 2021, sits just a point behind Pavelski.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is right in the mix with 21 points, tied with former soccer player Taylor Twellman. Curry won this event last year and clearly hasn’t lost his touch on the golf course.
Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen posted 19 points, while three-time champion Tony Romo finished with 18, tied with Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso. Fish, the 2020 and 2022 champion, is at 17 points alongside former pitcher John Smoltz and former LPGA Tour star Annika Sorenstam.
Charles Barkley holed out from 88 yards on the par-4 second hole, highlighting a nine-point round that marks his best-ever single-round performance in this event. He’s tied for 24th in the 90-player field.
“I had a great day today,” Barkley said. “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.”
Curry enjoyed a family affair, playing 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 said. “As average as I think I played, I held the big numbers out, which allows you to stay relevant. Excited for tomorrow.”
