LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, OH – Finishing at five-under-par, Chris Rossi successfully defended his National Car Rental Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional Championship title at Four Bridges Country Club on Monday.

“It feels great,” said Rossi about being the fifth person in the Southern Ohio PGA to earn back-to-back Assistant Professional Championships. “That’s really humbling – of all the good player’s we’ve had in this Section, that’s really cool.”

The PGA Associate Assistant Professional at Heritage Club in Mason, OH opened the 46th Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional Championship strong, going three-under-par early in his first six holes. Adding a couple bogeys and a few more birdies to the card, he closed out the first round with a double bogey to post one-under-par 71. Rossi didn’t let the 18th hole bother him one bit and headed into the final round continuing to play his game. Same as the first round, he carded birdies on the par-five second and par-four fourth holes then added another on the par-five fifth hole. A bogey on the ninth hole was quickly answered by a birdie to start his final nine. Adding one more birdie on the par-four 14th, Rossi posted a final round score of four-under-par 68 to finish the tournament five-under-par 139 and defend his championship title. 

“My caddie was unbelievable today! Especially helping me read putts. I felt like I was making everything today. I wasn’t, but it sure felt like I was,” noted Rossi about having his friend and Heritage Club Member Jeff Lamb on the bag. “In 36-hole events, it’s easy to get tired and lose focus. He kept me loose and just kept reminding me ‘one good swing’ coming down the stretch.” 

In addition to defending his SOPGA Assistant Professional Championship title, Rossi qualified for the 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship set to be played November 17-20, 2022 on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. This will be his second appearance competing at the national championship. 

“Your first time being down there is so nerve-wracking and you’re trying to soak it all in. I know the golf course and I’ve got one tournament competition under my belt down there. It’s a good feeling knowing what to expect when I return now.”

Joining Rossi in the national field this November is Chad Ammer, PGA Assistant Professional at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, OH. Opening the tournament at even-par, Ammer kicked his game up a notch in the final round. An eagle on the 32nd hole helped him post a final round score of three-under-par 69 and finish the tournament at 141 to secure the second qualifier spot available. 

Ricky Denny, PGA, Taylor Holt and Jared Hoelzen claimed alternate spots for the 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. For more information about the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, click here. 

To view the full Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional Championship leaderboard, including the National qualifiers, click here.

The 2022 National Car Rental Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional Championship was made possible thanks to National Partner, National Car Rental. It is also made possible thanks to the support of Srixon – Cleveland Golf – XXIO – Asics. 

Thanks to Michelle Lipka, PGA and her team at Four Bridges Country Club for their commitment to hosting the 46th National Car Rental SOPGA Assistant Professional Championship.