Chip-in sparks Bethel Park's Kowalski to home-course victory at Pittsburgh Open

Darin Kowalski skipped the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur on Sunday. He withdrew because of a sore back.

The rest did him well.

The 34-year old played the two rounds of the Tri-State PGA Pittsburgh Open at South Hills Country Club, his home course, like a veteran professional.

A chip-in for eagle on No. 13 vaulted him past veteran pro Kevin Shields and a 40-foot birdie on No. 17 sealed the deal as the Bethel Park resident, an amateur, won the second Pittsburgh Open by posting consecutive 3-under par 68s and finishing at 6-under 136.

Shields, who won the $10,000 purse for the top professional, posted consecutive 2-under 69s and finish with a 4-under 138.

“It was a momentum builder,” Kowalski said of the chip-in. “I have to be honest. I didn’t feel like I had my A game for two days, but it felt good to grind it out. I definitely didn’t putt well, but the chip-in certainly gave me some momentum I was looking for.”

Kowalski said he was close enough to the green that he was trying to make it. When the ball disappeared, he raised his right fist to celebrate.

“I’ve made enough eagles on that hole since being a member here,” Kowalski said. “Like I said, I didn’t feel I could get anything going. I felt I needed something and it certainly did it for me.”

First-round leader Alex Easthom of Ravenswood, W.Va., had a disastrous back nine and finished tied for eighth. He was leading Kowalski and Shields through nine holes, but then things started to unravel.

His second shot on No. 10 hit a tree and couldn’t be found. He ended up with a double bogey.

Then on No. 12, an uphill par 3, his tee shot landed 15 feet past the hole, but it spun off the green and down the hill 40 yards away. He ended up with another double bogey. He was 8-over on the final nine. He did birdie No. 18.

Shields, who had four birdies on the front nine, was leading going to No. 13. After hitting his approach shot to within 10 feet, he watched Kowalski chip in for eagle, which vaulted the Serra Catholic grad into the lead.

“I thought I was in control until he chipped in,” Shields said. “Then he made the 40-foot birdie on No. 17. I didn’t lose it; he won it with some great playing.”

Shields just missed birdie putts on No. 11, 12, 13, 17 and 18.

Kowalski added to his lead on No. 17 with a birdie to go up two shots heading to the final hole.

“I wanted to keep my foot on the gas and finish strong,” Kowalski said. “That putt was absolutely dead straight up the hill, and all I said to myself was, ‘Don’t leave it short’. I hit a good putt and it went in.”

After Shields missed his birdie attempt on No. 18 and tapped in for par, Kowalski sank his 2-footer for par and the win. He tipped his cap to the competition and to the many South Hills Country Club members rooting him on.

“This means a lot to me and the club,” Kowalski said. “The best part of South Hills Country Club is the members. It was nice to win in front of these guys and feels good in front of the home crowd.”

Amateur Jimmy Ellis and Oakmont pro Devin Gee tied for third at even par, amateurs Tanner Johnson, Rob Cimarolli and Tanner Grzegorczyk tied for fifth at 1-over, and Easthom, Roy Vucinich and Jason Robinson tied for eighth at 3-over.

Tri-State PGA

Pittsburgh Open

South Hills Country Club, par 71

Final round

1. a-Darin Kowalski 68-68—136

2. Kevin Shields 69-69—138

T3. a-Jimmy Ellis 72-70—142

T3. Devin Gee 70-72—142

T5. a-Tanner Johnson 73-71—144

T5. a-Rob Cimarolli 73-71—144

T5. a-Tanner Grzegorczyk 73-71—144

T8. Roy Vucinich 73-73—145

T8. Jason Robinson 71-74—145

T8. a-Alex Easthom 65-80—145

T11. Ty Roush 72-74—146

T11. Jack Ramsett 72-74—146

T11. Rob McClellan 71-75—146

T11. a-Michael Marsico 70-76—146

15. a-Mason Williams 75-72—147