On a hot streak: Caleb VanArragon leading Minnesota State Am by 8 shots

July 18, 2023 | by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com

Caleb VanArragon at the Minnesota Open (MGA photo)

After posting 13-under to win by nine at the Minn. Open last week, the Valparaiso star is at it again, firing 62 today

To find the hottest players in amateur golf, you have to look beyond the big national events. Just ask Three-time Maine Amateur champion Caleb Manuel (he picked up his third-straight title last week) or another guy with the same first name, Caleb VanArragon of Blaine, Minnesota.

At the Minnesota Open last week, VanArragon left the pros, and fellow amateurs in his wake with final rounds of 65-64 and a 13-under total -- good for a 9-shot victory.

Evidently he's still in the zone.

Today at Minneapolis Golf Club, VanArragon fired 62, carding two eagles. His second one came during a span of six holes he played in 7-under on the back nine. But get this.

Yesterday, VanArragon made an albatross on the first hole, a 474-yard par 5 that was one of his two eagles today. Playing a hole in 5-under in two days? We're pretty sure that ties a record, if it doesn't set one.

VanArragon will take an 8-shot lead into the final round. He seems to be following the same strategy he had in the Minnesota Open, when he said:

“I wanted to do what I could to put myself in the best position instead of trying to win the tournament,” he said. “The two state tournaments I won as a junior were both really close, so I’ve never had a big lead like that. It was a completely different experience for me, and I definitely didn’t feel comfortable knowing who was behind me.”

Van Arragon is a two time Minn. Golf Association player of the year. During his first four seasons at Valparaiso, he has collected three collegiate wins, more than 15 top-5 finishes and nearly 30 top-10s.

As a freshman he shattered the single-season scoring record and has since beaten it twice. The former Blaine High School standout will return for a fifth season this fall.

Results: Minnesota Amateur

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Caleb VanArragon	Blaine, MN	200	66-62-65=193
2	Bryce Hanstad	Edina, MN	100	69-67-69=205
T3	Nate Stevens	Northfield, MN	50	74-67-66=207
T3	Ben Warian	Stillwater, MN	50	67-69-71=207
5	Gunnar Broin	Chanhassen, MN	50	69-69-70=208

View full results for Minnesota Amateur

About the Minnesota Amateur

On a hot streak: Caleb VanArragon leading Minnesota State Am by 8 shots

In 1901, the first Amateur Championship concluded the MGA's inaugural meeting at the Meadow Brook Club in Winona. Thus, the MGA began a tradition that has carried into the present day. The MGA Amateur is now one of the largest golfing events in the s...