Aaron Whalen won the inaugural Agave Amateur at Shadow Hills GC
(PNGA and Shadow Hills photos)

The tournament appeared to be Sam Choi's to win. The University of New Mexico commit from Anaheim, CA took control of the tournament with a 4-under 67 in the wind on Thursday, building a four-shot lead going into the final round.

Choi was still up by two on the final hole, 2 under for the day and 11 under for the tournament. But Whalen rolled in a 30-footer for birdie on the final hole, and when Choi missed his 8-foot par putt for the win, the two were tied at 10 under and headed for a playoff.

After both players parred the first two playoff holes, Whalen's par on the par-five 11th hole was enough for the win.

“I loved the course and it was great to be in the sunshine with good and fast greens", said Whalen. "I wasn’t sure where I stood (on 18) but I knew I needed to make the putt.”

Both players were three shots ahead of third place finisher Christopher Tuulik (San Diego, CA) and seven clear of Raymond Navis (Palm Desert, CA). Hunter Epson (Long Beach, CA) finished fifth, and Matt McClung (Fulshear, TX) was the only other player under par for the tournament.

The Agave Amateur was introduced this year as the third event in the Troon Saguaro Amateur Series that culminates with the Saguaro Amateur just after the New Year.