Andre Chi Wins PGA Stroke Play After 8 on Par-5

Most golfers would crumble after scoring an 8 on a par-5, but Andre Chi turned one of his worst holes into his greatest comeback story.

The assistant pro from Hicksville, New York, sank a clutch 17-foot birdie putt on Tuesday to win the PGA Stroke Play Championship at PGA Golf Club in a playoff against Ben Kern. Chi finished at 10-under 206 and took home $5,500.

The victory was even sweeter because Chi had to overcome a snowman on the fifth hole. He hit a lost ball off the tee, then needed four shots just to get on the green from beside it.

"It happened so quickly, but I stayed patient," Chi said after his win at Deepdale Country Club. "I still knew there were a lot of birdie holes coming down the stretch."

He was right. Chi charged back with four birdies over just five holes on the back nine to put himself back in contention.

His opponent almost made it impossible. Kern opened the final round four shots back but stormed ahead with five straight birdies to start his day. He shot 30 on the front nine and made a 35-footer on the final hole just to force the playoff.

"I was hoping to not face Ben in a playoff," Chi admitted. "He's a great ball striker and I had a feeling he would be one of the biggest contenders today."

Kern had been on fire at the PGA Winter Championships, winning two consecutive team events before Tuesday's close call. He was chasing a clean sweep of the winter series but came up just short.

Why This Inspires

Chi's comeback shows that one bad hole doesn't define your round or your day. His patience under pressure and refusal to give up turned what could have been a devastating loss into his ticket to the PGA Professional Championship.

The win marks Chi's first qualification for a major championship. Last year, he finished third in this same event and used it as motivation to come back stronger.

Sometimes the path to victory runs straight through our worst moments.