Dec. 7, 2025 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

The 2025 AmateurGolf.com Christmas Classic delivered exactly what players and fans have come to expect from the long-running Monterey Bay tradition — tight leaderboards, firm Old Del Monte conditions, and a finish worthy of a championship.

After opening with a blistering 4-under 68 in Round 1, Kavi Marez (Carmichael, CA) survived a mid-round slide on Sunday and outlasted a hard-charging leaderboard to claim the Championship title in a one-hole playoff over Jackson Suh (Bellevue, WA). On the women’s side, Lexi Lowe (San Jose, CA) capped a steady two-day performance to capture the Women’s Division title and her first Christmas Classic victory.

Round 1 Recap: Marez Leads After 68

Round 1 wrapped up Saturday at Old Del Monte with Marez setting the early pace. His 68 continued Del Monte’s long-standing reputation as a shotmaker’s course where sharp wedges and confident putting can produce low numbers, even on small and demanding greens. Zachary Hawkins (Pebble Beach, CA) and Andrew McCormack (Bakersfield, CA) sat two shots back after matching 70s, keeping the Championship Division tightly packed heading into Sunday.

Marez Outlasts Suh in Championship Playoff

Sunday at Del Monte was a different test. Marez admitted he “got off to a rough start” in Round 2, escaping early trouble with pars while struggling to find his wedge rhythm on the front nine. That opened the door for the chasers, and Suh and Hawkins steadily climbed the board as the firm course and slick greens made every shot feel high-stakes.

The back nine became survival golf. Marez leaned on patience and short putting, repeatedly saving pars with nervy 4- to 6-footers. “Had a lot of grueling 4-, 5-, 6-footers that I made today,” he said. “Very thankful for that.” Suh’s late surge erased the gap by the final hole, and the two finished tied after 36 holes.

In the one-hole playoff, Marez stayed composed and closed out the win, finishing at 141 total (68–73). “Ultimately, I stayed patient and got a good result out of it,” he said, adding another chapter to the Christmas Classic’s history at Old Del Monte.

Kavi Marez carded rounds of 68 and 73 on his way to the 2025 Christmas Classic title.

Lexi Lowe Claims Women’s Division Title

Lowe handled the firm greens and tricky lies better than anyone in the Women’s field, grinding through a demanding opening round before settling in on Sunday. She called Old Del Monte “always a beautiful course,” but admitted conditions were “a little bit rough” as she battled to stay in position.

Improved driving on Day 2 proved decisive. “It was rough off the tee yesterday but I got it back,” she said, noting the “greens were lightning quick” and “the lies were nasty.” Lowe held steady down the stretch to secure her first Christmas Classic victory. “I’m glad to have pulled it through today,” she said, already looking forward to returning next year to defend.

Lowe went low to take the Women’s Division title.

Other Division Winners

• Senior Championship — Chris Candelario (Santa Rosa, CA): Candelario surged on Sunday with a stellar 69, bouncing back from an opening 77 to win at +2 overall.
• Net Division — Gyorgy Ordody (San Francisco, CA): Ordody claimed Net honors at +22 with rounds of 80 and 83.
• Mid-Am (subdivision) — Jackson Suh (Bellevue, WA): Suh not only reached the playoff for the overall title, but also secured Mid-Am honors at 3-under (71–70).
• Super Senior (subdivision) — Andrew Gabelman (Barrington, IL): Gabelman’s rounds of 74 and 81 earned the Super Senior title at +11.

About the Christmas Classic

One of AmateurGolf.com’s longest-running competitive traditions, the Christmas Classic annually brings together top juniors, college players, and seasoned amateurs to Old Del Monte Golf Course — the oldest course west of the Mississippi. With multiple divisions, pristine winter conditions, and a course that rewards real shotmaking, the event continues to stand as one of California’s premier year-end tests.

From Marez’s opening 68 to a playoff finish, the 2025 edition lived up to its reputation. And as always at Old Del Monte, the next chapter already feels close.