Loading article...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading article...
see also: Jose Luis Ballester, U.S. Amateur, a USGA Championship, Merion Golf Club - East Course
In case you missed the thrilling 36-hole final, you can watch an amazing recap in just 41 minutes!
With the U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club over and Jose Luis Ballester becoming the first Spaniard to win the U.S. Amateur, just the second to claim any USGA championship (Jon Rahm 2021 U.S. Open), we can now look back and see just how it came to be.
Ballester defeated rising sophomore Noah Kent 2-up in the final match and had to withstand a furious rally from Kent at the end of the match.
He’s also the fourth Arizona State Sun Devil to etch his name on the Havemeyer trophy, joining Billy Mayfair (1987), Phil Mickelson (1990), and Jeff Quinney (2000).
“I think I'm still not conscious of what just happened today,” said Ballester to the USGA after the win. “Super thankful to have the opportunity to live this moment, especially on my 21st birthday. That's what I'm considering now.
Ballester added, “Super sweet. Again, we have many great Spaniards, many great legends, and being able to add my name into that history, it's pretty sweet.”
RELATED:
Jose Luis Ballester celebrates 21st birthday by winning the U.S. Amateur
Amateur Golf Podcast: Ballester wins in Minnesota
The U.S. Amateur, the oldest USGA championship, was first played in 1895 at Newport Golf Club in Rhode Island. The event, which has no age restriction, is open to those with a Handicap Index of .4 (point four) or lower. It is one of 15 national champ...
The Pursuit of Perfection: The Lowest Rounds in Golf History
Apr 23, 2026Breaking 60 used to be like running a four minute mile, but now it happens all the time.
U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying Locations & Sites (2026): Complete Guide
Apr 20, 2026The USGA announced 26 qualifying sites for the 81st U.S. Women’s Open, set for June 4–7 at Riviera.
2026 U.S. Senior Open Qualifying Hub: Sites, Dates, Eligibility & How to Advance
Apr 20, 2026The road to the 46th U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club runs through 32 local qualifiers and 12 final sites
2026 U.S. Amateur Qualifying: Dates, Sites, Registration Info, and How to Enter
Apr 30, 2026Registration for the 2026 U.S. Amateur is opening soon. Explore every local and final qualifying site
How to qualify for the 2026 U.S. Amateur at Merion
Apr 11, 2026A data-driven guide to the scores, sites, and strategy needed to reach Merion.