Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth Creates History as First Woman to Win PGA Tournament Series Event

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2023) – Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth from Fleming Island, Fla., achieved a historic milestone by emerging as the first woman to claim victory in a PGA Tournament Series event in its 46-year history.

Connelly-Eiswerth’s outstanding performance included a remarkable 4-under 67 in Event No. 1 on the Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club, securing a one-shot victory over Tyler Collet of John’s Island Club in Vero Beach. The history-making moment came when Connelly-Eiswerth made a 2-foot bogey putt on the final hole, sealing her win as Collet narrowly missed an eagle on No. 18 with his gap wedge stopping just an inch away from the hole.

Facing an unexpected greenside bunker on the 18th, Connelly-Eiswerth’s resolve shone through as she managed to blast out to 15 feet and two-putted to etch her name in the record books.

Surprised by her own achievement, Connelly-Eiswerth, a PGA Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, shared, “Oh, really? That’s cool! There’s not many of us (women) playing in the PGA Tournament Series, but there’s been more lately. That’s really cool. It feels wonderful to win. I have finished second a lot this year.”

Connelly-Eiswerth’s triumph saw her finish at 10-under 132, with the women’s tees set up at 83.7 percent of the men’s as per PGA of America’s guidelines. Collet, although shooting the day’s low round with a 6-under 65, couldn’t catch up to the historic win achieved by Connelly-Eiswerth.

Commenting on her impeccable performance, Collet humbly acknowledged, “It’s a pitch-and-putt golf course for Stephanie. If I knew the yardage going into this week, I would have bet on her to win. That’s actually a compliment to her. She’s that good of a player.”

2013 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship runner-up, Connelly-Eiswerth, acknowledged the challenge she faced during the PGA Tournament Series, stating, “Sandra killed it that day. It’s nice to get back down here. The courses are always in great condition. It’s nice to be able to play and have the green speed to just roll it and see it go in.”

Hailing from Fleming Island, Florida, Connelly-Eiswerth’s journey to victory included playing the Epson Tour for seven seasons before coaching at the University of North Florida. Moving forward to the final round, her consistent performance culminated in a well-earned win, overcoming setbacks and obstacles along the way.

Expressing her mindset during the tournament, Connelly-Eiswerth reflected, “I knew a lot of the guys would be out chasing. There were definitely some opportunities to make birdies. I just said to keep chasing and play like I’m behind.”