Peicheng Chen Makes History with Second New York State Open Victory
Rock Hill Golf & Country Club Assistant Professional defeats A.J. Cavotta in a playoff at Bethpage Black to become the first player to win the championship as both an amateur and professional
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Peicheng Chen added another chapter to New York golf history at the 2026 Lenox Advisors/NFP New York State Open, defeating A.J. Cavotta in a playoff to capture his second championship title at Bethpage State Park’s famed Black Course.
Chen, an Assistant Professional at Rock Hill Golf & Country Club, carded rounds of 70, 73 and 68 to finish the 54-hole championship at 2-under-par 211. Cavotta matched that total with rounds of 75, 65 and 71, forcing the championship into sudden death before Chen ultimately secured the title.
With the victory, Chen became the first player in the history of the New York State Open to win the championship as both an amateur and a professional.
A Historic Return to Bethpage
Chen’s first New York State Open title came in 2023 while competing as an amateur and a member of the St. John’s University men’s golf team. He finished that championship at 6-under-par 207, edging Matt Lowe by one stroke.
Three years later, Chen returned to Bethpage Black as a professional and once again rose to the occasion on one of the country’s most demanding championship courses.
Chen began the 2026 championship with a steady 1-under-par 70 before battling to a second-round 73. Entering the final round with ground to make up, he delivered his best performance of the week when it mattered most.
His closing 3-under-par 68 was one of the day’s strongest rounds and lifted him to 2-under for the championship. It was enough to pull even with Cavotta and earn Chen an opportunity to claim the title in a playoff.
Chen then prevailed in sudden death, earning the $17,500 champion’s prize and another place in the New York State Open record book.
Cavotta Mounts an Impressive Charge
Cavotta, representing the Northeastern New York PGA, produced one of the championship’s most memorable rounds to put himself in contention.
After opening with a 4-over-par 75, Cavotta responded with a spectacular 6-under-par 65 during the second round. He made five birdies on his opening nine and added an eagle and another birdie on the back nine, vaulting himself up the leaderboard and into the final pairing. Watch AJ’s post round interview
Cavotta entered the final round with a chance to win and remained in the fight throughout the day. Even after a double bogey on the 13th hole, he immediately answered with a birdie on No. 14 and continued battling over Bethpage Black’s demanding closing stretch.
An even-par 71 gave Cavotta a 54-hole total of 211 and a share of the lead with Chen. Although he came up just short in the playoff, Cavotta’s resilient performance earned him runner-up honors and an $11,000 prize.
Lowe Claims Fifth Low-Amateur Honor
Matt Lowe once again distinguished himself among the championship’s amateur competitors, earning Low Amateur honors for the fifth time.
A familiar name near the top of New York State Open leaderboards, Lowe also finished runner-up to Chen in 2023. His latest Low Amateur title adds to an impressive record in one of the state’s premier championships and reinforces his consistency against fields featuring many of New York’s leading PGA Professionals and accomplished amateurs.
Another Championship Test at the Black
The 2026 championship returned to Bethpage Black following the course’s prominent place on the international golf stage as host of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Playing at approximately 7,134 yards for the championship, the par-71 layout once again provided a complete examination of every competitor’s game. Its long, demanding holes, penal rough, deep bunkering and elevated greens placed a premium on precision, patience and resilience throughout the three-round event.
Chen and Cavotta were the only players to finish the championship under par, further demonstrating the difficulty of the test. Their matching totals of 2-under 211 set the stage for a fitting playoff conclusion between two players who took very different paths to the top of the leaderboard.
For Cavotta, it was a remarkable comeback after playing his opening nine holes of the championship in 5-over par. For Chen, it was a closing-round charge that brought him back to the site of one of the defining victories of his amateur career.
Chen Enters the Record Book
The New York State Open has produced an accomplished list of champions since the tournament’s founding in 1978, including Cameron Young, Danny Balin, Rob Labritz, Andrew Svoboda, Peter Ballo, Michael Miller and James Nicholas.
Chen now stands alone as the first competitor to win the championship on both sides of the amateur-professional divide.
His 2023 victory established him as one of the region’s top young players. His 2026 title, earned as an Assistant Professional at Rock Hill Golf & Country Club, demonstrated his continued development and ability to perform under pressure at one of golf’s most recognizable venues.
The win also made Chen the first multiple champion since Michael Miller captured his second New York State Open title in 2022.
A Memorable Week at Bethpage
The Metropolitan PGA extends its appreciation to Lenox Advisors/NFP for its continued support of the New York State Open and championship golf throughout the Metropolitan Section. The 2026 event marked the organization’s 19th year supporting the championship.
The Met PGA also thanks the professional staff, grounds team and entire Bethpage State Park operation for preparing another outstanding championship venue, as well as the officials, volunteers, caddies and competitors who contributed to a memorable week.
At the conclusion of three demanding rounds and a playoff on the Black Course, Chen once again stood atop the New York State Open leaderboard—this time as a professional and, officially, as a history-maker.
2026 Lenox Advisors/NFP New York State Open
- Champion: Peicheng Chen, Rock Hill Golf & Country Club — 70-73-68—211 (-2), won in playoff
- Runner-up: A.J. Cavotta — 75-65-71—211 (-2)
- Low Amateur: Matt Lowe, fifth career Low Amateur honor
- Venue: Bethpage State Park, Black Course
- Champion’s Prize: $17,500
- Runner-up Prize: $11,000