Inside the Dual‑59 Miracle at Ottawa Open
Inside the Dual‑59 Miracle at Ottawa Open
In the annals of professional golf, few tournaments have produced as much drama and historic brilliance as the 2025 Commissionaires Ottawa Open. What unfolded over two extraordinary days redefined what’s possible on the PGA Tour Americas. Two players—Philip Barbaree Jr. and Brett White—each recorded rounds of 59, back-to-back, culminating in a playoff that will be talked about for years.
It started innocently enough. Barbaree, a steady but unspectacular performer most of the season, caught fire early with four birdies in his first six holes. By the time he reached the par-5 10th, the murmurs had turned into full-blown buzz. He chipped in for eagle, then birdied 13 through 16 with laser-like iron play. His 59 came with a 10-foot putt on 18 and a signature fist pump. It was the 14th sub-60 score in PGA Tour Americas history.
And then, it happened again. White, playing in the following day’s final group, matched it with a round so surgical it felt preordained. Six birdies in his last seven holes. A 63-foot eagle putt on 18. Final score: 59. The crowd erupted. Social media exploded.
The playoff was equally electrifying. Both players found the fairway. Barbaree played first—safely to the center of the green. White stepped up and hit a towering wedge to eight feet. He drained the birdie to win, earning his first title—and rewriting history in the process.
These performances weren’t flukes. Barbaree and White are products of a new wave of young talent, shaped by data, biomechanics, and extensive collegiate competition. Barbaree, a former LSU star, is known for his aggressive pin-seeking mentality. White, quieter but methodical, relies on pre-shot routines and a low-spin cut driver that’s become his trademark.
Beyond the sheer spectacle, the Ottawa Open revealed the rising depth of developmental tours. These aren’t “minor leagues” anymore. Sponsors took notice, with three new brands signing deals within a week. Broadcast ratings for the final round tripled. Golf fans saw something magical—and meaningful.
In a sport where tradition often overshadows innovation, the back-to-back 59s were a reminder: greatness can come from anywhere. And it can happen on a Thursday in Ottawa.