LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – Sunday marked the last day of the American Century Championship (ACC) at Edgewood Tahoe. With a victory on the line for competitors, the day included calmer crowds, hotter temperatures and a rewarding victory for former NHL forward Joe Pavelski.
Starting tee-offs began around 7:35 a.m., and the last group, which included Pavelski, left the 18th green around 3 p.m. After teeing off, the groups of celebrities made their way through the course for the final time this summer. South Tahoe Now intern Sabrina Philip rotated between holes one and 10 for several hours, interviewing celebrities and watching them compete for a higher position in the final player rankings.
A participant familiar to many fans was TV host Chris Harrison, known best for his role as host of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”. In an exclusive interview with South Tahoe Now, Harrison discussed the overlap between the drama of reality TV and the pressure of golf.
“The pressure definitely reminds me of reality TV,” said Harrison. “Especially for the contestants. They’re making this kind of in-the-moment, heartfelt, but also gut-wrenching, decision. You don’t want to make a mistake. You’ve got to kind of trust your instincts. So there’s a lot of parallels.”
Additionally, when asked who he would give “final roses” to for most improved player and the best performing player, Harrison said he would award them to Philadelphia 76ers point guard Kyle Lowry and former United States Men’s National Soccer Team forward Taylor Twellman, respectively.
Also receiving some cheers of praise was Fox News host Brett Baier, who played with two other audience favorites, Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry and former NBA guard Dell Curry. Baier spoke to South Tahoe Now about the overlap between political commentating and golf.
“First of all, I think this is more pressure,” said Baier. “I talk to, you know, four million people at night, but when I’m turning on a golf ball in front of 200 people, it’s a much different pressure. But, it is similar because you got to be in the moment.”
For some participants, this tournament gives them a chance to play in their home state where they grew up and went to school. Many, like Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams, appreciated the opportunity to spend time with family and play in the competition just a few hours away from their hometown.
“It feels awesome,” said Adams. “It’s great, because obviously you’ve got a big support system that’s out this way. I have a really good time coming out here and enjoying the golf aspect, and then football, having my family close, it means a lot too.”
Another common similarity between participants this year was their careers. The tournament experienced an influx of 11 former and active NFL quarterbacks, including Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, Pittsburgh Steelers
quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former NFL quarterback and 2018, 2019 and 2022 tournament winner Tony Romo and former NFL quarterback Derek Carr.
“I think quarterbacks just love the challenge,” said Romo, commenting on the number of quarterbacks in the tournament. “It’s like throwing mechanics, very similar to golf. Trying to, you know, figure it out, how to throw, how to figure out the defense. Golf’s the same way, trying to figure it out.”
Experiencing his second year at the tournament, Lawrence told South Tahoe Now what it’s like playing with those who share this position in football.
“Aaron’s playing good this week,” said Lawrence. “He’s always kind of in the mix. Josh is a good player, but I don’t know. The guys at the top are so good, it’s tough for us to compete.”
No MasterCraft boats were won on the 12th hole on Sunday, but people were still talking about former Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jimmy Rollins winning one on Saturday after his hole-in-one.
The remainder of the tournament entailed players finishing their finals rounds and taking celebratory pictures before the tournament ended. Numerous fans waited on the 18th hole to try and interact with their favorite celebrity for the last time, yelling for photos, autographs and even the player’s gloves or golf balls.
Finally, after an intense third round of competition, Pavelski made his way to the final hole, ending his tournament journey with an eagle and securing his title of ACC winner. Celebrating with his family, friends and caddie, Pavelski appeared overjoyed at finally winning the competition, given his closeness to the title over the last few years. After thanking his fellow players and receiving the trophy, Pavelski completed his celebration with a jump in the lake.
“I think the number one objective this week was to make a hole-in-one and get a new boat,” said Pavelski in the press conference following his win. “Actually, it was probably the second. I really wanted to win.”
