Costas Panay held off hard-charging Tyler Kowack (San Diego, CA) and Trip Carter (Dallas, TX) to go wire-to-wire and win the 2023 Silverado Amateur. Panay, a University of California golfer, shot 68-68-76 for a 54-hole total of 4-under 212.
Panay had a commanding five-shot lead entering the day and stretched it out to six through nine holes before a string of bogeys and solid play by Kowack and Carter made it quite close down the stretch. Carter birdied the 17th hole to close within one shot, but both players parred the par-5 18th hole to seal the victory for Panay.
Panay, originally a native of Washington, now calls Sunland, California, home.
PANAY ON THE WIN AND LEADING WIRE-TO-WIRE
“Sleeping on the lead last night was pretty tough, with a lot racing through my mind. The whole day, including the final 9, was pretty hard on the mental game. I grinded out an even-par front nine, and I think the back 9 is when the nerves started to kin in just a little bit. It was cool to see myself rally and put some great pars together down the stretch. I enjoyed the battle down the stretch with Tyler. I was playing with Tyler, unfortunately not Trip, but we had some good back-and-forth moments. Making birdies on nine, and then we both had some clutch putts and clutch shots coming down the stretch on the back, and it was just cool to be in the position on 18 to make that par putt to win.”
PANAY IS NOW A TWO-TIME CHAMP
In 2020, Panay won the inaugural Silverado Amateur, shooting rounds of 69-72-67.
With the 2023 victory, Panay becomes the first ever two-time champion of any Troon Saguaro Amateur Series event. He joins Tucker Allen (2021 Saguaro and Grapevine Amateurs) as the only multiple champions of Troon Saguaro Amateur Series events.
“Winning the Silverado Amateur for the second time means a lot to me," said Panay "I love the course. I love the people, and I just love playing golf in Napa Valley."
Panay went on to reference PGA Tour star and Cal alum Max Homa.
"It’s also inspiring to me that Max won the Fortinet Championship earlier this year and it’s pretty cool to be able to do that on the same course that he did."
Maybe one day Panay can do the same thing.
-- Thanks to Roy Edwards of Saguaro Amateur Series for contributing this report.
ABOUT THE Silverado Amateur
A part of the Troon Saguaro Amateur Series, the
Silverado Amateur is open to amateur golfers
who meet the eligibility and exemption requirements
which include position in various rankings, USGA
appearances, and state amateur and mid-amateur
champions. Maximum handicap 3.0.
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