Hockey Star Pavelski Leads after the Second Round of American Century Championship

Photo Credit: Jeff Bayer

Dilfer, Ray Allen, Romo also in the hunt; three-time defending champ Mulder 1 point behind

(STATELINE, Nev.) – San Jose Sharks star Joe Pavelski held off a charge from three-time defending champion Mark Mulder to maintain the lead after the second round of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe on Friday.

Mulder made up eight points on Pavelski in the modified Stableford scoring system, which awards six points for eagle, three for birdie, one for par, zero for bogey and minus-two for double bogey or worse.

Pavelski’s 48 points is one better than Mulder. Trailing them are former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (44), former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer (43), two-time winner and former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien and former tennis standout Mardy Fish (39). Former NBA star Ray Allen (38), MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz (35) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (33) are also in the hunt. Steph Curry, among the leaders after Friday’s first round, fell back and is at 28 points.

Mulder, a former major league pitcher, had just 4 points after 15 holes on Friday, but since then he has tallied 43 points and is now in position to win the tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course for the fourth straight year.

“So I couldn't hit it worse than I did for the first 15 holes yesterday,” said Mulder, who last year became the first player in the tournament’s 28-year history to win three straight times. “So I was kind of excited to get this day going and luckily made a few putts and got that ball in the hole.”

Pavelski had 23 points Saturday. His best finish in two previous appearances is 10th. He knows he’s going to have to hold off Mulder if he’s going to win his first celebrity golf tournament.

“I hung in there in a good position,” Pavelski said. “I'm excited to play with the guys tomorrow. There's some good golfers. And they've proven themselves. And Mulder's the guy to beat right now.”

Sunday’s final round will be televised live on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.

Romo, who has competed in U.S. Open qualifier tournaments, said there was no magic to his strong round Saturday.

“It's probably because I'm just actually a better golfer, to be honest,” said Romo, who is an NFL analyst now. “I wish it was, I'm more comfortable or mentally stronger or something. No, I've had more time. I've put more time in.”

Former NBA great and crowd favorite Charles Barkley is alone in last place in the 92-player field with minus-63 points.