Episode 9 of "Stick" commences with the highly anticipated ReadySafe Invitational gearing up in Oklahoma, with Clark Ross stealing the spotlight. However, Santi enters the scene, poised and ready to compete. His nerves are palpable, especially when he crosses paths with Keegan Bradley, a renowned player also donning the roster.
Outside, Santi's awe for the competition is evident. He views Pryce with a renewed perspective, acknowledging the latter's significance among the elite players. Despite exuding a tough and arrogant demeanor throughout the previous eight episodes, Santi's confidence begins to waver. He concludes the first round with a score of 4 over par, and shortly after, he's summoned to join Clark Ross in the exclusive "swag tent."
Mitts is apprehensive, fearing that Santi will be swayed by the allure of money and side hustles. Clark makes his intentions clear: he wants to mentor the young player, believing they could form a formidable duo.
The next day, Santi finds himself second-guessing his decisions on the green. Pryce steps in with some invaluable advice, urging Santi to take a shortcut that proves unexpectedly successful. Consequently, Santi's performance trends online, with various influencers discussing his potential.
Santi's ranking skyrockets to number 2 on the leaderboard. While everyone celebrates, Mitts indulges wholeheartedly with Elena. Meanwhile, Amber-LInn arrives to join Pryce, and they sit together, reminiscing about the past. Pryce confesses his fear of betraying his late son by accepting his death. "You were the best Dad," she reassures him, kissing him, inadvertently cheating on her boyfriend in the process.
Pryce hesitates before contemplating joining Amber-LInn in her room, while she decides to return to Indiana. As this storyline resolves, another unresolved thread emerges involving Santi's father, Gary. He arrives to lend his support, leaving the audience on a tantalizing cliffhanger.
