Cory Chavez wins Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur at Tijeras Creek

February 22, 2026 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

Cory Chavez (Tijeras Creek photo)

Chavez overturns Dylan Block’s lead to win Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur

Cory Chavez won the Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur at Tijeras Creek Golf Club on Sunday, shooting 71 and 70 to finish 3-under 141 and beat the field by two shots.

Dylan Block, 21, the son of PGA professional Michael Block, finished T-2 at 1-under (68 75) alongside Chase Goetschel (74 69). They were the only other players in the 78-player field to finish the week under par.

The tournament turned in the final round. Block’s opening 4-under 68 gave him a three-shot cushion, with Chavez starting the day in chase mode. But as the course stiffened and the numbers slowed, Chavez stayed patient and kept posting pars. His 2-under 70 applied the pressure, Block’s 75 finally cracked, and the lead changed hands for good.

For Chavez, 32, from La Mirada, Calif., the win lands a little differently because his golf story started late. He first picked up a club at 17, when his dad bought him his first set during his senior year of high school. Before that, Chavez was a varsity soccer player. Golf was something he discovered, then chased.

He got good enough to play one year for his high school team before continuing collegiately at Santiago Canyon College. Now he mixes amateur events with professional reps on the Asher Tour, where he has finished 20th and T-67 in his last two starts.

Tijeras Creek did not give away many red numbers. Chavez didn’t need anything dramatic. He needed one calm, patient closing round while the leader came back, and that is exactly what he produced.

About the Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur

Cory Chavez wins Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur at Tijeras Creek

Gross-only tournament played the last weekend in February that has attracted the best in Southern California for many years. Max Homa, Cameron Tringale, Beau Hossler, and Stewart Hagestad have all competed. Play in threesomes to ensure a nice pace of...

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