CHURCHVILLE, N.Y. (FLX) — The weather was perfect, the foursome was ready, and the table was set for history to be made.

Sean Sawyer and Chad Christ, tied for Young Man of the Year after four major tournmaents this season, competed Sunday at Churchville Golf Course in a match play format for the Tour’s prestigious player of the year award, known formally as the Danny Ott Young Man of the Year.

“Obviously the FLX Tour is no stranger to drama,” said FLX Tour Co-Commissioner Matt Driffill, who alongside 2024 Churchville Classic champion Nathan Wirth, co-officiated Sunday’s showdown. “It was quiet at the course, too quiet. The range was still, the wind was paused for history to unfold.”

And unfold it did — both Sawyer and Christ parred the first two holes as Tour pros and fans followed the match-play format online via the 18 Birdies app (the official app of the FLX Tour, please sponsor us).

The match remained tied until hole 4 when Sawyer went up 1 on the par 3. Chad continued to fight valiantly, but Sawyer grabbed another point on holes 7 and 9, taking a three stroke lead into the turn. For bookkeeping, Driffill finished the front 9 with a generous 46, while Wirth brought home the dustiest 60 you ever did see.

^Dusty

Sawyer birdied for a 4 point lead after hole 10, but Christ the redeemer saved humanity with a par on 11 to Sawyer’s bogey, but that ultimately was the last stand for the Chad faithful.

Sawyer took holes 12, 13, and 14 and the rest, as they say is history.

“Congratulations to our 2024 Young Man of the year, Sean Sawyer,” Matt Driffill said. “As a two-time major champion, and now a player of the year, his legacy is forever secure. Another congratulations to Chad Christ, who brought an enthusiasm, and energy to the Tour seldom seen from a rookie. His magical victory at the CC with Dirt was one for the books. An absolute dog.”

“My 60 wasn’t that dusty bro,” Wirth quipped.

This Showdown capped off what was a beautiful year for the FLX Tour. While leadership says they are disappointed in the cancellation of the banquet, they look forward to a gathering soon at Shamrock Jack’s where a couple of high-tops will be reserved, to be safe, for all 6 of us who show up.

Otherwise, leaders say keep eyes and ears open for new podcast episodes of Tour Talk, announcements and registration for next year, impropmtu gatherings and golf outings, plus a lot of Saturday morning meetings at the Public Market. We love an off season. We just do.

Until, then, keep swingin’ fellas.