Chris Gotterup is emerging as a major figure in the 2025 PGA Tour season, showcasing impressive performances that are drawing widespread attention. His journey from a promising young golfer in New Jersey to a professional making waves on the PGA Tour highlights his determination and skill.
Early Roots: From Maryland Birth to New Jersey Golf Prodigy
Born on July 20, 1999, in Easton, Maryland, Chris Gotterup grew up primarily in New Jersey, forging strong ties with the Garden State. Raised in Little Silver, he attended Christian Brothers Academy, where he excelled as a member of the varsity golf team known as the Colts. His talent during these formative years propelled him to a coveted spot on the Rutgers University golf squad.
Dominating Collegiate Golf with Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Although Rutgers is not traditionally renowned as a golf powerhouse, Gotterup distinguished himself as one of the school’s finest players. During his college career, he earned several accolades, including Big Ten Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season. His tie for fourth place at the 2019 Big Ten Conference Championship remains the best finish in Rutgers golf history. Over 29 collegiate tournaments with the Scarlet Knights, he accumulated seven top-five placements and numerous top-10 finishes. Additionally, he showcased his dominance on the summer amateur circuit in New Jersey by winning the 2019 NJSGA Open and the 2019 Met Amateur.
Transformative Season at Oklahoma Strengthened His Career
Seeking to elevate his game, Gotterup transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final collegiate season. His tenure with the Sooners became one of the most remarkable in their history. In 2022, he was recognized as the unanimous No. 1 player nationwide by both Golfstat and Sagarin rankings. He narrowly missed a playoff at the NCAA Championship, finishing in the top five after being runner-up at the Big 12 championship. His achievements that year earned him the prestigious Haskins Award and Jack Nicklaus Award, distinguishing him as college golf’s best player.
Breakthrough Victories Mark 2025 PGA Tour Success
After turning professional following the 2022 collegiate season, Gotterup’s progress was gradual before he captured his first professional win in 2024 at the Myrtle Beach Classic, taking home $720,000. Although this victory came in a relatively weaker field, it laid the foundation for more significant triumphs. In 2025, he solidified his status by winning the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. In that event, Gotterup matched a course record with a 61 in the second round and overcame intense competition, including holding off Rory McIlroy on the final day.
Personal Life: Relationship with Samantha Rae Monte
Chris Gotterup’s personal life has drawn some attention as well, particularly his relationship with Samantha Rae Monte. They appear to have been dating since at least 2023. Monte, who is based in New York City, frequently travels alongside Gotterup to golf tournaments, including stops at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona and the U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club. However, Gotterup disclosed during the 2025 British Open that Monte did not accompany him to Royal Portrush, where he delivered another strong performance shortly after his second PGA Tour win.
What’s Next for Chris Gotterup’s Professional Journey?
Chris Gotterup’s trajectory from a standout collegiate golfer to a PGA Tour contender reflects his relentless dedication and evolving skill set. His victories in 2024 and 2025 indicate the potential for sustained success, with performances against some of the strongest fields affirming his readiness for greater challenges. As Gotterup continues to compete, his presence is expected to grow in prominence, potentially influencing the competitive landscape of men’s professional golf in the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is a PGA?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America is an organization for golf professionals.
Q. What is the PGA?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association started in the Victorian era. Three key figures—JH Taylor, James Braid, and Harry Vardon—worked hard to create it.
They aimed to elevate the reputation of men who made their livelihood playing golf.
Q. What does PGA mean?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is a US organization for men in professional golf, founded in 1916. Officially, it’s called the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. This group oversees major events each golf season, including its own yearly PGA Championship.
Q. What is PGA for skin?
A. Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a type of peptide that can easily reach the skin’s surface and help produce collagen. It draws water from the air to your skin. As a polymer, it creates a skin barrier to prevent water loss, keeping your skin moist.