Christopher Chomyn (photo submitted)
With a par on the first playoff hole, Christopher Chomyn won the Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) Amateur at Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
Chomyn, who plays at Reedley College, led the charge leading the tourney on the first day shooting a blistering 5-under 67 including a 31 on the difficult back nine, for a two-shot lead over Ryder Epson.
On Sunday, the winds kicked up and scores rose accordingly, with only one player (Kory Frost) breaking par.
Chomyn closed with a 76 while Ryder Henares was able to catch him with an even-par 72, the second low score of the day. The two went to the 10th hole for a playoff after finishing at 1-under-par 143.
Chomyn hit the green and two-putted for par, while Henares bogeyed, giving Chomyn the title.
"It's been a long time coming," said Chomyn, who last tasted victory at the 2017 AJGA Patrick Reed Insperity Invitational in Houston.
There was a three-way tie for third, with Frost, Epson, and Charles Yoo shooting 1 over. Last year’s winner Jackson Rivera was in position to defend after a first-round 70, but a front-nine 41 ended his chances and gave him a sixth-place finish.
ABOUT THE
Rancho Santa Margrarita Amateur
Gross-only tournament played the last weekend in February that has attracted the best in Southern California for many years. Max Homa, Cameron Tringale, Beau Hossler, and Stewart Hagestad have all competed. Play in threesomes to ensure a nice pace of play, and the golf course is immaculate. Entry fee includes 36 holes of golf with a cart, practice balls before each round, and typically includes a tee gift. See the website and entry form for more information.
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