The U.S. Amateur Four-Ball is a team competition by design — but on Tuesday at Plainfield Country Club, Marc Dull made history by going it alone. With his partner away for family obligations, Dull pulled off one of the most improbable victories in the event’s decade-long run by defeating a two-man team in the Round of 16, 2 and 1.

The veteran mid-amateur from Florida, and a longtime caddie at Streamsong Golf Resort, found himself in an unusual position: carrying the entire load in a format that typically allows for backup on every hole. But instead of bowing to the odds, Dull relied on steady ball-striking and a conservative game plan to outplay a fully staffed side and advance to the quarterfinals.

A Mental and Physical Test

After falling behind early, Dull clawed his way back into the match on the back nine. Key birdies at Nos. 12 and 13, followed by a solid par at 14, helped him swing the match in his favor. From there, he held off his opponents with clutch putting and precise tee-to-green play, managing his emotions and the strategy of playing alone as well as the course itself.

The win was historic: no player had ever won a match solo in the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball since the championship began in 2015. The format does allow for a single player to represent a side under USGA rules, but victories like this are exceedingly rare — especially in match play.

Echoes from the Past

This wasn’t the first time a player has advanced solo in Four-Ball competition. In 2014, during qualifying for the inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, Hawaiian junior Brent Grant carded a 63 at Honolulu Country Club to earn his team a spot in the championship. Grant’s partner had been called into emergency surgery and couldn’t attend — but thanks to a lights-out round, they qualified anyway.

Unlike Grant, who rejoined his partner at the championship, Dull had to do the heavy lifting in live match play, with the pressure of elimination hanging over every shot.

A Proven Mid-Am Champion

Dull's solo performance didn’t come out of nowhere. A former U.S. Mid-Amateur runner-up, he’s long been considered one of Florida’s most dangerous amateurs — especially in match play. In October 2023, he captured the Florida Mid-Am Stroke Play Championship at Bradenton Country Club with a wire-to-wire win, opening with rounds of 65 and 69 before holding on with a closing 71 under final-round pressure.

Even after some late bogeys brought the field closer, Dull maintained composure, making clutch pars when it mattered — a trait that was on full display once again at Plainfield. His solo victory at the Four-Ball only adds to a growing résumé that blends tournament polish with competitive grit.

Still in the Fight

Later in the afternoon, Dull teed it up again for the quarterfinal match against Carson Looney and Hunter Powell. While he and returning partner Chip Brooke trailed early, they battled back on the back nine. Ultimately, Looney and Powell held on for a 1-up win, ending one of the most inspiring runs in the championship's history.

For full coverage of the championship, including scoring and match updates, visit our 2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball live coverage page.

Dull’s effort stands as a testament to calm under pressure, disciplined golf, and the occasional magic of match play — when even the most unconventional setups can deliver unforgettable moments.