Stick Episode 9 recap: Who is Clark Ross really?

Episode 9 of Stick kicks off with energy and star power. Real-life golf commentators Trevor Immelman and Jim Nantz introduce the Ready Safe Invitational, a major golf event held at Woody Crest Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Santi has officially made it into the tournament through a sponsor’s exemption in Stick. His whole team—Mitz, Price, Elena, and Zero—is pumped. The vibes are high, and Santi is about to face the biggest challenge of his life.

As soon as Santi signs in, he meets real-life golf pro Keegan Bradley. Starstruck, he's reminded just how far he’s come—from hustling in mini-golf circuits to now walking among pros.

Price, who’s often seen as a washed-up golfer, gets surprising respect from today’s stars like Windham Clark and Max Homa. Even Santi is shocked—he never knew Price was once that good.

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The villain enters – Meet Matt Prost in Stick

Matt Prost, an arrogant and snarky player, steps in to shake Santi’s confidence in Stick. He mocks Santi’s age and lack of experience with backhanded compliments.

But Santi doesn’t fold. He fires off a great opening shot, showing he’s not just here for fun—he’s here to win in Stick.

Clark Ross, the rich guy who helped Santi enter the tournament, makes his move. He takes Santi on a whirlwind tour—fancy golf gear, luxury car rides, and gourmet dinners. It’s all to impress him.

Meanwhile, Mitz and Price watch from afar. Mitz gets suspicious. Is Clark trying to steal Santi away?

Clark finally tells Santi that Price isn’t a good coach. He says Price takes shortcuts and lacks what it takes to make a real champion. Clark believes he can take Santi to the top.

Santi listens politely but doesn’t fall for the glitter. He knows Clark is trying to buy him.

Unexpectedly, Amberllin shows up to cheer for Price. His face lights up. Their bond is still strong, even after all the pain.

Her return gives Price a much-needed emotional lift in Stick.

Clark’s influence is starting to show—Santi’s outfit is now high-end. Matt Prost notices and takes another shot at him, mentally. This time, Santi gets rattled.

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Risk and reward – shortcut pays off in Stick

Seeing Santi lose focus, Price tells him to take a risky shortcut shot. It’s bold and dangerous, but Price believes in smart shortcuts—like the Panama Canal, he says.

Santi tries it… and nails it! It’s a huge win and a turning point.

Santi’s daring play gets him attention online. People are loving the underdog story. During a press interview, Santi casually mentions listening to “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel to stay calm. Fans eat it up.

Zero encourages Mitz to be brave and tell Elena how he feels. Finally, Mitz kisses her. The chemistry that’s been building for episodes finally erupts in the sweetest way in Stick.

Santi continues to shine. Girls in the crowd are wearing “We Love You Santi” shirts. He climbs up to second place. The whole team is overjoyed.

They talk about their son who passed away. Price admits he’s been going to grief meetings. Amberllin tells him he was a great dad. They kiss, and she invites him to her hotel room.

But Price says no—he’s finally found purpose, and he doesn’t want to lose that now.

The next morning, Mitz asks why Price didn’t go. Price simply says he’s focused on the tournament. He’s putting his growth above everything else, for once, in Stick.

Just when we think it’s over, Santi’s dad, Gary, shows up. He compliments Price, saying he saw him play back in 2002 and thought he was even better than Tiger Woods.

Elena is shocked. But Santi runs to his dad and hugs him tightly. They embrace in a quiet, emotional moment.

Episode 9 sets the stage for a big finale. The stakes are higher than ever—not just for Santi, but for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

This episode of Stick wasn’t just about golf. It was about second chances, trust, heartbreak, loyalty, and healing. With incredible performances, surprise twists, and emotional highs, Episode 9 of Stick takes the series to a whole new level.

Now that Santi is standing on the edge of greatness, the question is—will he take the leap?

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