Aaron Hicks Claims PAGT MLB "Best Golfer in baseball" Title at Ritz-Carlton Orlando

The Professional Athlete Golf Tour (PAGT) brought together a star-studded field of current and former MLB players competing for the MLB “Best Golfer in Baseball” event at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, delivering three days of competitive golf in a setting as elite as the talent on the course. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the tournament showcased the growing intersection between professional athletes and high-level amateur golf.

From the outset, Aaron Hicks set the pace with a steady performance, maintaining his composure and delivering clutch shots when it mattered most. He led wire to wire, finishing at 2-under (69-72-73) to claim the championship, holding off a strong push from Hall of Famer John Smoltz, who finished second at +5 (72-74-75). Wil Myers and Russ Ortiz rounded out the top four, adding their names to the leaderboard in a tightly contested final round. In the Net Stableford division, Jackson Stephens emerged victorious with 119 points (37-47-35), while Hicks (113) and Cody Reed (106) completed the podium.

Beyond the competition, the event delivered a world-class experience for participants, starting with a welcome reception and player gifting suite. One of the event’s most exciting moments came during the under-the-lights putting contest, where Russ Ortiz outlasted the competition to win a Rolex, courtesy of tournament sponsor Baseball Lifestyle 101. The tournament also featured the support of Stitch Golf, Hyperice, Blue Tees, Live Forever Golf, HNY+, and Core Energy Belt, ensuring a premium experience both on and off the course.

The PAGT continues to raise the bar as a premier destination for professional athletes looking to test their golf skills in a competitive, high-profile environment. The next MLB “Best Golfer in Baseball” tournament is set for December 2025, where players will once again battle for bragging rights and prove who’s truly the best on the course. Before that, the spotlight shifts to hockey, as the PAGT gears up for its next NHL tournament in August 2025. With some of the game’s biggest names ready to tee it up, it promises to be another can’t-miss event.

For previews and highlights from the event, including putting contest, check out the links below:

MLB “Best Golfer in Baseball” ‘24 Highlights Preview
Baseball Lifestyle 101 Rolex Putting Contest

Stay tuned for more details on the MLB Network broadcast dates.