The 32-year-old from La Mirada, Calif., won the Rancho Santa Margarita Amateur at Tijeras Creek Golf Club after rounds of 71-70 left him at 3-under 141, a two-shot victory.

It was a flip on the final day. Dylan Block, 21, the son of PGA pro Michael Block and now a familiar face online, set the early pace with an opening 4 under 68. Chavez started the second round three behind, but he stayed steady while the course got harder. Chavez posted a 2 under 70. Block slipped to 75. The lead changed hands and did not change back.

Block still finished T 2 at 1 under (68-75), alongside Chase Goetschel, who recovered from a 74 with a closing 69. They were the only other players in the 78-player field to finish the week under par.

Chavez has always carved his own unconventional path in golf. After honing his game enough for one standout year of high school competition, he progressed through Santiago Canyon College, a stint working at Hacienda Golf Club, and national appearances—including the 2016 U.S. Amateur and the 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur. These days, he balances competitive amateur play with pro reps on the Asher Tour, posting finishes of 20th and T-67 in his last two starts.

Tijeras Creek did not give away many red numbers. Chavez did not need a perfect week. He needed one calm round when it mattered, and he got it.