Mardy Fish Triumphs at 2024 American Century Championship
Mardy Fish made a triumphant return to the American Century Championship, claiming his second ACC celebrity title. After last year’s narrow second-place finish, Fish had a point to prove—and boy, did he deliver.
Fish, known for his cool demeanor and sharp wit, snagged the title on Sunday at Edgewood Tahoe. He racked up 83 points in the Modified Stableford scoring system, with 26 points on Sunday capping off his record-setting 34 points on Saturday.
Hot on Fish’s trail was Joe Pavelski, who finished with 79 points. Annika Sorenstam followed with 68 points, and John Smoltz came in fourth with 64 points. Fish’s win earned him a hefty $150,000, surpassing last year’s winner Steph Curry’s $125,000. He was just one point shy of the tournament record set by Billy Joe Tolliver in 2010.
When asked about his plans for the prize money, Fish humorously responded, “I mean, I got bills to pay, man. I live in Los Angeles. I have two kids right there that are very expensive,” pointing to his children with a smile. He praised the tournament’s growth, saying, “It kind of shows where the tournament’s going and where it’s headed.”
Fish’s first ACC win was in 2020, a year when no spectators were allowed, and he donated his entire winnings to local charities. This year, a rain delay of about 30 minutes on Sunday didn’t dampen his spirits. Instead, it gave him a chance to catch up with old friends like Larry Fitzgerald and text with Travis Kelce.
Pavelski, who announced his retirement from hockey after playing for the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, showcased his impressive golf skills. “This is my best showing. I think if I could replicate this here the next few years, if we get the opportunity, hopefully we have a chance to lift that trophy like Fish is doing,” Pavelski remarked. He plans to spend more time on golf, a sport he loves.
The ACC also set a new attendance record with 77,049 fans throughout the week, highlighting the growing popularity of this celebrity golf showdown.