Rak Cho (left) collected a trophy and more than $10,000 for his win
Rak Cho of Buena Park is the 2023 California State Open Champion after posting a score of 13 under-par across four days of competition at Bear Creek Golf Club.
144 competitors arrived to compete in the 72-hole Championship this week, where course conditions proved to be incredibly well maintained. Cho played steady all day to keep himself in the driver’s seat to cruise to a two-shot victory. The win for Cho marks his first professional win in the last five years, and he takes home $10,500 and a lifetime exemption into the California State Open.
“This win means a lot to me because this is my last event in the United States before I move to South Korea and compete on the Asian TOUR. I grew up here in SoCal, so to win a four-day tournament here at the California State Open as my last event is something special to me,” said Cho.
Low amateur honors went to Brannon Fahrny of Anaheim after posting a 1-under-par total. Fahrny currently plays for the men’s golf team at California State University, Fullerton.
Congratulations to Christian Rajcic on making the only hole-in-one during the four-day tournament on hole 16, playing 210 yards.
Special thanks to our product partners ZICO, CORE Hydration, and Dr. Pepper/Keurig for supplying drinks and keeping the field hydrated for the duration of the championship. Grateful appreciation goes to host facility PGA Director of Golf Tim Gardner, PGA Head Professional Kim Schilling, and Golf Course Superintendent Earl Kennel.
SCPGA story
ABOUT THE California State Open
The Championship will be a 72-hole stroke play
tournament contested over four days. Following the
conclusion of 36-holes, the field will be cut to the Top
60 players and ties. Championship is open to both
Professionals and Amateurs. Amateurs must carry an
index of 2.4 or below at the time of entry. Pre-
qualifying required for non-exempt players.
View Complete Tournament Information