Joe Pavelski seems to be enjoying his retirement on the golf course. About a year after retiring from the NHL, he won the Star-Studded American Century Championship on Sunday. After an 18-season career in the NHL, Pavelski clinched this championship with a dramatic walk-off eagle putt, capping off a standout performance.
This marked Pavelski’s ninth time competing in the American Century Championship, and this year proved to be his breakthrough. As he sank the difficult putt, he celebrated with his caddy and shared the moment with his family. Finishing behind him was longtime MLB pitcher John Smoltz, with country singer Jake Owen in third, former football player Taylor Tulman fourth, and NBA star Stephen Curry in fifth place.
Despite this golfing success, Pavelski’s achievements on the ice remain impressive. He played 1,332 NHL games, scored 476 goals, and made 592 assists. He was a four-time NHL All-Star and earned second-team All-Star honors in 2014.
The 2025 American Century Championship also featured some memorable moments beyond Pavelski’s win. For example, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle brought energy to the event, and Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins scored a hole-in-one that won him a boat.
Fan Take: This victory highlights how athletes can successfully transition from professional hockey to other competitive arenas, showcasing their talent and determination. It’s exciting for hockey fans to see Pavelski excel in golf, signaling that retired players can continue to inspire and engage audiences in diverse ways.
