Make that two 59s in as many days on PGA Tour Americas.
This time it led to victory.
Brett White began Sunday’s final round of the Commissionaires Ottawa Open seven shots behind leader Philip Barbaree Jr., who had carded 13-under 59 a day earlier at Eagle Creek Golf Club. White then delivered his own 59, making 10 birdies on his first 17 holes before draining a dramatic 63-foot eagle putt on his final hole. Meanwhile, Barbaree closed with a 70 to tie for 10th as White rocketed to 23 under, earning him a spot in a three-man playoff with Danny Fisher and Nathan Franks.
That eagle putt marked the third 59 in PGA Tour Americas history.
In the playoff, White birdied the par-5 18th hole twice to seal his first career Americas title and jump to third in points.
A Remarkable Comeback Story
White’s victory is even more impressive considering his journey. The 32-year-old is eight years removed from nearly dying from viral encephalitis, which he contracted while competing on PGA Tour Latinoamerica. He spent three weeks in the hospital and had to relearn basic tasks, including talking and walking.
His return to golf came about a year after his hospitalization. As part of his comeback, he won the 2019 Nevada Open and 2020 Michigan Open. White earned his Korn Ferry Tour card for 2022 through Q-School in 2021, though he managed just two top-25s in 20 starts and lost his status.
“It’s been a wild ride,” White told Golf Channel in 2021. “Over a long journey, sometimes you go back and go, wow, I gotta be thankful for where I’m at. There was a point in the hospital where it was, hey, let’s make sure you can be on your own; and then it was, OK, I want to be able to run around with my kids; then it was, let’s play golf for fun; and it just kept on progressing. I’ve tried to get better every day, and I don’t think I’ve stopped.”
The top 10 players at the end of the PGA Tour Americas season receive Korn Ferry Tour cards, making White’s move to third in the standings particularly significant for his career trajectory.
