Tennis Star Mardy Fish Wins 3rd Tahoe Golf Championship

A tennis champion just proved that champions stay champions, no matter which sport they're playing.

Mardy Fish, who won eight professional tennis titles and an Olympic silver medal, captured his third American Century Championship at the stunning Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on Sunday. The former tennis pro scored an impressive 20 points in the final round, finishing with 72 total points to claim the trophy at golf's premier celebrity tournament.

The win marks Fish's third championship in six years, having previously won in 2020 and 2024. He finished well ahead of defending champion Joe Pavelski, who scored 66 points, and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who came in third with 59 points.

"I am obsessed with this game," Fish said during his NBC broadcast interview. "This is the best week of the year. It's the best email of the year when you get the invite."

The 44-year-old left-hander played strategically on the final hole, using an iron off the tee instead of a driver to protect his six-point lead. The cautious approach reflected a lesson learned from 2023, when an errant final drive cost him the tournament after a fan yelled during his backswing, allowing Curry to eagle the hole and steal the win.

Fish now plays to a plus-3.0 handicap, a remarkable achievement that places him among elite amateur golfers. His passion for golf has only grown since retiring from professional tennis, where he competed at the highest levels from 2003 to 2011 and represented Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The tournament featured a star-studded field including LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, who finished fourth, and NFL Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Drew Brees. After securing his victory, Fish celebrated by jumping into Lake Tahoe with his son Beckett, creating a picture-perfect moment against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Why This Inspires

Fish's journey from tennis courts to golf courses demonstrates that dedication and athletic excellence aren't confined to a single sport. His transformation into an elite amateur golfer shows what's possible when passion meets discipline, inspiring weekend warriors everywhere to pursue their own second-act dreams.

The former tennis pro's genuine love for the game shines through every interview and every round. His story reminds us that retirement from one career can be the perfect launching pad for another passion, especially when you approach it with the same intensity that made you successful the first time.

Champions don't just win once and call it quits—they find new mountains to climb.