The world of golf is abuzz with the rise of a new star, Andre Chi, who has proven that sheer determination and talent can outshine the most renowned players. With an underdog story that is stirring the hearts of golf fans, Chi’s journey from the humble streets of Flushing, NY, to the grand stage of the PGA Tour is a testament to his grit and resilience.
Born to Daegun and Sun Chi, a dental tech and a part-time nanny respectively, Andre Chi’s fascination with professional golf began at a tender age. This boyhood passion has now borne fruit, with Chi poised to make his debut on the PGA Tour. Reflecting on his journey, Chi recalls his humble beginnings as an unknown Division III golfer and expresses the pride he feels as he prepares to step onto his first Tour.
In his words, “This is what I dreamed of since I was eight years old. I was never a standout in my junior years. I played Division III at Methodist University and was part of a great program there. To become a class-A PGA professional and step onto the field—it’s going to be a great honor to represent those guys, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.”
Unlike many of his contemporaries who were propelled to the top through sponsorships and overblown expectations, Chi’s journey was a quiet grind. His relentless hard work and unwavering belief led him to Methodist University, where he pursued a major in business administration and professional golf management. It was there that his game began to take shape, and he carved his name into the legacy of this NCAA Division III golf powerhouse.
Chi’s 2021-22 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He competed in 10 tournaments, securing seven top 10 finishes, and clinching two victories—the NCAA DIII Fall Preview and the NCAA Division III National Championship. With his performance in the national championship, he emerged as the top player among 221 golfers, affirming his ability to thrive under pressure. His commendable performance garnered him a series of accolades, including the NCAA Division III PING First-Team All-American, NCAA Division III PING All-South Region Selection, and First-Team USA South All-Conference Selection. He was also named the USA South Golfer of the Week three times.
Despite his success, Chi’s journey remained relatively unnoticed. He didn’t rise to fame with the usual media frenzy that accompanies many collegiate stars transitioning into professional ranks. Instead, his path was characterized by quiet determination and an unyielding belief in his ability.
In 2024, Chi’s name began to resonate in the golfing world. His performance at the Valspar Championship Monday Qualifier, a high-stakes, one-day event where countless hopeful golfers vie for a few spots in the PGA Tour, was particularly noteworthy. Chi braved 30mph winds and scored a brave 67, including an eagle and a four-under on his last six holes. His story is a reminder of why golf’s underdogs captivate us— they embody hard work, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
Post-college, Chi took up an assistant pro job at Deepdale in New York. He participated in several section events, securing a few wins. Despite narrowly missing the Q-school by two strokes the previous year, Chi persevered. He travelled to Florida for the winter and lived alone, participating in section events. Despite his successes in section events and state opens, he hadn’t really played a significant event. Yet, like any debutant, Chi was overwhelmed with the logistics of participating in his first event.
Chi’s story is both inspiring and poignant, especially in light of the PGA Tour’s recent announcement to significantly reduce Monday Qualifier spots starting in 2026. This decision, made to prevent scheduling delays, has been met with outrage from golf fans and purists alike. Monday Qualifiers have been a stepping stone for players like Chi, who don’t have the luxury of guaranteed Tour starts. They provide a chance for unknown names to battle for professional glory. Chi’s journey from a little-known Division III golfer to teeing up at the Valspar Championship is precisely the kind of tale that makes the world of golf so thrilling. However, with the impending PGA Tour changes, such opportunities may soon be a thing of the past.