From TikTok to U.S. Open hopeful: Evan Thompson Medals
May 14, 2025 | by Kyle Rector of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Evan Thompson, U.S. Open Final Qualifying, Wellesley Country Club
Once doubted by critics online, Evan Thompson is now letting his scorecard do the talking
Evan Thompson isn’t just chasing flags—he’s chasing validation. After firing a 66 to earn medalist honors at U.S. Open Local Qualifying, the Kennesaw State graduate put himself just 36 holes away from teeing it up at Oakmont. But this wasn’t just a win for his golf career—it was a moment of vindication for a player whose game has been questioned as much as it's been viewed.
From the Gridiron to the Greens
Thompson isn’t your traditional amateur. A standout linebacker at Kennesaw State, he set a school record with 118 tackles in a single season and earned All-Big South First Team honors in 2021. Football was his first path to notoriety, but golf has always been a passion, and now, it’s taken center stage.
After transferring from Florida Tech, Thompson joined the KSU men’s golf program, balancing his graduate studies with competitive golf. His strong play continued in college, notching a career-best 210 (-6) at the 2023 ASUN Championship and a personal-low 68 in tournament play.
A Star on TikTok—With Critics in Tow
Thompson’s rise to golf prominence has come not only through fairways and greens but also through feeds and reels. On TikTok, his personality, swing speed, and raw transparency about his grind have garnered thousands of followers.
But as his videos gained traction, so did the skepticism.
Some accused him of inflating his scores or “acting” like a better player than he is. Others questioned the legitimacy of his training routines. It's the double-edged sword of virality: while many embraced his authenticity, others dismissed him as another content creator “playing golf” rather than a serious competitor.
Medalist at Local Qualifying: “Proof in the Scorecard”
On May 13, Thompson silenced some of that noise by going low in U.S. Open Local Qualifying, carding a 66 and securing medalist honors. The performance put him on the cusp of one of golf’s greatest stages.
“36 holes away from the US Open!” he posted on X, holding both the USGA medal and the qualifying certificate with his playing partner.
The post quickly gained traction—with over 1,300 views and messages of support and encouragement. It wasn’t just a great round. It was a statement.
Medalist honors at US Open local qualifying! A testament that hard work always pays off! 36 holes away from the US Open! pic.twitter.com/8l413aDlro
— Evan Thompson (@evan_Th0mpson12) May 13, 2025
What’s Next
Thompson now advances to Final Qualifying, where 36 holes against stiffer competition will decide whether his next chapter takes him to the U.S. Open.
But whether he makes it to Oakmont or not, Evan Thompson has already won something bigger: credibility. The linebacker turned ball-striker, the TikToker turned qualifier, is proving his doubters wrong the best way he knows how—by keeping receipts and shooting scores.
Once doubted by critics online, Evan Thompson is now letting his scorecard do the talking after a standout performance in U.S. Open qualifying. See which other amateurs advanced →
About the U.S. Open Final Qualifying
Final qualifying for the U.S. Open Championship. Played at various sites across the U.S. on the Monday a week and half before the U.S. Open. There is also a qualifier in Japan and in England. 36 holes of stroke play at each site.
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