Badger hockey legend wins celebrity golf tournament in star-studded field

Joe Pavelski is now the top celebrity golfer in the country, beating out a star-studded field featuring Jake Owen, Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry, John Smoltz, Tony Romo, and many more. Pavelski has won the American Century Championship after a remarkable closing holes on days two and three of the tournament. He is now a champion both in hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers and as a golfer in the American Century Championship.

Former Badger Joe Pavelski wins the American Century Championship with a closing eagle

Pavelski had been dancing with winning the event for a few years, but kept coming up short. He was probably wondering if that was going to be his story, getting to the top of the leaderboard but failing to lift the trophy. It was a frustrating pattern in his NHL career as he led the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup but couldn't get the win.

However, it was the Badger that came out in him to get it done in the end. The same Joe who was able to carry Wisconsin to a national championship in 2006 brought home the coveted celebrity trophy. He was able to hold off John Smoltz and Jake Owen, nipping at his heels.

He left day two with a tie for the lead at 44 (Stableford scoring), but it was the strong play on day three that really clinched it for him, closing the whole tournament with an eagle to finish with a Stableford score of 73.

This tournament is no joke, as it brings in high-level competition. Even though it's billed as a celebrity golf tournament, it's not like other celebrity events where it's mostly for humor and light-hearted entertainment. These golfers are all elite golfers with better-than-par handicaps. They all are trying to win, and it's prestigious to get the win, which Pavelski finally does, representing Wisconsin in the process.