Chen wins NY State Open
45 foot birdie putt for the win:
Did you have a busy week? How about the one Peicheng Chen had? Last Monday, he played 36 holes and finished one shot out of the second qualifying spot for the U.S. Amateur at Haworth Country Club in New Jersey. After staying late and winning the playoff to earn the first alternate spot, his car wouldn’t start and he needed a jump from a caddy at Haworth to come home.
After stopping at Rock Hill to borrow my car, Chen went to Bethpage Black on Tuesday for an early tee time at the New York State Open. After opening with rounds of 67 and 69, he was two shots out of the lead heading into the final round. A strong front nine gave Chen the lead, but bogies on 16 and 17 dropped him one back heading to the final hole.
All of that was a preview for an amazing finish— the leader bogeyed 18 and Chen made a 45-foot birdie putt to become just the second amateur to ever win the New York State Open after current PGA Tour player Cameron Young, who did it in 2017.
What a week, and what a way to start the summer! Chen will be prepping for the Met Amateur, Met Open and another NCAA season if you want to come in and see more of his hardware.
After every win , we have a tradition of eating Mozzarella Sticks. I hope one day that is on the Masters Champion’s Dinner menu.
Proud of you, kid!
