South Lake Tahoe — Day 1 of the American Century Championship featured a mix of familiar names atop the leaderboard along with a few players looking to make a statement as the celebrity golf tournament got underway at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Day 1 Leaderboard
- Joe Pavelski – 29 points
- Mardy Fish – 27 points
- Stephen Curry – 25 points
- Tony Romo – 23 points
- Annika Sörenstam – 22 points
The top of the leaderboard is filled with proven champions. Joe Pavelski, Stephen Curry, Mardy Fish, and Tony Romo all know what it takes to win the American Century Championship, with each having previously captured the tournament title. Their experience was evident as they put together strong opening rounds and immediately positioned themselves as contenders heading into the weekend.
Pavelski, the defending champion, wasted little time reminding the field why he lifted the trophy a year ago. He posted a tournament-best 29 points, overcoming a slow start before catching fire with a string of birdies that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.
Curry, the 2023 champion, continued to show why he is considered one of the tournament’s elite golfers. His 25-point opening round kept him within striking distance, while former tennis star Mardy Fish once again demonstrated his consistency with 27 points. Romo, a perennial contender and former champion, also stayed in the hunt with 23 points.
Rounding out the top five was LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam, whose 22-point performance made her the highest-ranked female competitor after the opening round. Sörenstam’s steady play once again proved she can compete with the tournament’s top celebrity golfers and remains firmly in contention entering Day 2.
With several former champions already near the top of the leaderboard, the stage is set for another competitive weekend at Edgewood Tahoe as players chase one of celebrity golf’s most coveted titles.
“I’m thrilled with 29 points,” said Pavelski. I didn’t know it was going to come today. Early in the round I had to grind through a couple of tough holes and stay in it.
Making a nice up-and-down for birdie on 4 got me going. Then I got up-and-down on 5, made a great putt on 6, hit one close on 7, and even though I didn’t hit the greatest wedge shot on 8, it worked out and I made the putt. All of a sudden I had four birdies over that stretch, which was really good.
After that I flattened out a bit but kept it together, got up-and-down a couple more times, and finished strong. I hit one of my best 3-woods on 16 and another really great shot on 18, and that one finally fell. It was nice to see.”
Annika Sörenstam is the only woman holding her own among a leaderboard filled with former champions. The LPGA legend once again showcased the poise and consistency that made her one of the greatest golfers in history, finishing Day 1 with 22 points to remain firmly in contention.
With one of the most accomplished résumés in golf, Sörenstam brought her championship experience to Edgewood Tahoe, matching the competitive play of several former American Century Championship winners. Surrounded by past champions such as Pavelski, Curry, Fish, and Romo, Sörenstam proved she belongs in the conversation as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
Her steady opening round demonstrated that precision, course management, and experience can be just as valuable as power, setting the stage for another strong performance as the tournament continues.
Curry continued to prove why he’s one of the tournament favorites. The 2023 American Century Championship winner carded 25 points in the opening round, putting himself near the top of the leaderboard. Curry’s steady play, timely birdies, and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities kept him within striking distance of the lead, positioning him well as he looks to capture his second championship title.
For those who didn’t find themselves near the top of the leaderboard, the American Century Championship is about more than just the score. With the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, clear skies, and perfect summer weather at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, the tournament offers a memorable experience for players, family, and friends.
While not everyone has a perfect round, the event remains a celebration of competition and camaraderie. After Day 1, we caught up with Grant Hill, Kyle Juszczyk, and Stephen Curry for their reflections on their opening rounds and the challenges of the course.
An Interview with Jonathan Thomas, CEO and president of American Century Investments
The American Century Championship has become one of the most anticipated celebrity golf events of the summer, bringing together some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business for a weekend of competition at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Beyond the star power and exciting moments on the course, including Stephen Curry’s memorable hole-in-one in previous years, the tournament carries a much larger purpose. The primary beneficiary of the event is the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, an organization dedicated to uncovering the causes, treatments, and prevention of diseases through groundbreaking scientific research.
Jonathan Thomas, Chairman, CEO, and President of American Century Investments, joined us to discuss the impact of the tournament, the importance of the cause, and why the American Century Championship continues to be such a special event.
Q: It’s one of the marquee golf events of the summer, the American Century Championship, which draws big-name celebrities and athletes to Lake Tahoe. Tell us about this year’s event and what makes it so special.
Jonathan Thomas: “He’s here, and he’s looking really strong. I definitely expect him on top of the leaderboard.”
Thomas was referring to Stephen Curry, the 2023 American Century Championship winner, who returned to Edgewood Tahoe looking to make another championship run. Curry’s competitive spirit and love for golf have become a major part of the tournament’s appeal.
Q: The cause behind this event is what makes it even more meaningful. The winner receives a lab coat instead of a traditional green jacket. Tell us about the significance behind that.
Jonathan Thomas: “American Century Investments, we operate three brands, really American Century, Avantis and Income America. But no matter which brand you’re using with us and what you’re invested in, over 40 percent of our dividends each and every.”
The white lab coat represents the connection between the tournament and the important medical research being done at the Stowers Institute. While the American Century Championship delivers exciting competition on the golf course, its lasting impact comes from helping fund discoveries that could improve lives around the world.
For Thomas and American Century Investments, the event represents the perfect combination of sports, entertainment, and philanthropy, bringing people together while supporting a mission far beyond the final leaderboard.
