Sakic Earns $1 Million for Hole-in-One at American Century Championship

Sunday July 17th, 2011

South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Joe Sakic took up the game of golf when he signed his first hockey contract in 1988, but he waited until he was on the big stage at the American Century Champions to make his first hole-in-one.

The 42-year-old Sakic used an 8-iron to ace the 167-yard 17th lakeside hole Sunday and earn the $1 million prize presented by American Century Investments. Half of the money will be donated to the LIVEStrong Foundation, the designated charity of the tournament. The other $500,000 belongs to Sakic, the retired 20-year All-Star center for the Colorado Avalanche.

“I’ve never had a hole-in-one. In fact, I’ve never been close,” said Sakic, who sports a 2 handicap. “Trent (Dilfer) told me it went in, but I didn’t believe him at first. I never imagined this. This is just great. I feel very fortunate to come to this tournament. For three days everyone here makes us feel like pros.”

Sakic gained 8 points for his ace in the modified Stableford format and finished with 50 points for the 54-hole event. It was the fourth ace in the tournament’s 22-year history. Others were made by Rudy Gatlin (1995), Dan Jansen (1999) and Marshall Faulk (2009). Faulk’s was the only other ace on the 17th hole, and he covered the 170-yard shot with a 9-iron.

Sakic played in 13 NHL All-Star games and his teams won two Stanley Cups (1996 and 2001). He served as team captain for 17 consecutive seasons. Among his many awards was the Hart Memorial Trophy for being league MVP in 2001.

By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.