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Everything You Need to Know About the Western Amateur 2025 Sweet 16
8/2/2025 | by Kyle Rector of AmateurGolf.com

see also: Western Amateur Championship, Beverly Country Club

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Sixteen of the world’s top amateurs, from seasoned veterans to breakout phenoms, are set to battle for the George R. Thorne Trophy

The 123rd Western Amateur has delivered four grueling rounds of medal play at Skokie Country Club. Sixteen of the world’s best amateurs remain, each with a unique story and path to this stage. Here’s a deep dive into every contender fighting for the George R. Thorne Trophy.

🏆 123rd Western Amateur Match Play Bracket

Round of 16

1 Ethan Fang def. 16 Hugo Le Goff (5&4)
8 Benjamin James def. 9 Eric Lee (4&2)
4 Garrett Endicott def. 13 Anh Minh Nguyen (1UP)
12 Jacob Modleski def. 5 Max Herendeen (2UP)
2 Zackary Swanwick def. 15 Bryan Lee (1UP)
7 Cameron Adam def. 10 William Sides (19 Holes)
14 Jase Summy def. 3 Tommy Morrison (1UP)
11 Taishi Moto def. 6 Stewart Hagestad (3&2)

Quarterfinals

1 Ethan Fang def. 8 Benjamin James (5&4)
12 Jacob Modleski def. 4 Garrett Endicott (2UP)
2 Zackary Swanwick def. 7 Cameron Adam (1UP)
14 Jase Summy def. 11 Taishi Moto (2&1)

Semifinals

1 Ethan Fang def. 12 Jacob Modleski (3&1)
14 Jase Summy def. 2 Zackary Swanwick (5UP thru 12)

Final

1 Ethan Fang vs 14 Jase Summy – Tee time 1:20 PM CT

⭐ Ethan Fang (Oklahoma State, USA)

Co-medalist (-5). Winner of the 2025 Amateur Championship at Royal St George's, earning 2026 Masters, U.S. Open, and Open starts. Current WAGR No.3, Callaway Golf ambassador, known for fearless iron play and a sure touch around the greens.

Early Foundations & Junior Career Highlights: Ethan Fang, a 20-year-old from Plano, Texas, was a 2022 AJGA Second Team All-American, ranked 3rd in Golfweek Junior rankings, 7th in Junior Golf Scoreboard Player rankings, and 7th in AJGA Rolex rankings. He finished 4th at the 2023 Texas Amateur and was runner-up at the AJGA Simplify Boys Championship, establishing himself early in high-stakes junior events.

Collegiate Journey & Key Milestones: Fang began at UC Berkeley, earning All-Pac-12 Second Team and Freshman Team honors with a 71.82 stroke average and four top-10 finishes. Transferring to Oklahoma State, he helped win the 2025 NCAA Division I Championship, recording a pivotal 1-up match play victory in the final. He closed his sophomore season with nine top-10 finishes, tied for 15th at the NCAA Championship, and earned Academic All-America Second Team honors with a 3.80 GPA in sports management.

Amateur Circuit Success & Turning Points: Fang captured The 2025 Amateur Championship, becoming the first American in 18 years to win it, defeating Ireland's Gavin Tiernan with a clutch birdie on the 36th hole. This win granted exemptions into The Open, Masters, and U.S. Open, elevating his WAGR to #3. He reached the 2024 U.S. Amateur quarterfinals and the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Round of 16, building a reputation for elite match play performance.

Playing Style & Strengths: Fang thrives on a strong short game, precise chipping and pitching, and a confident putting stroke. Known for his power fade and adaptability to various course styles, he balances competitiveness with a relaxed approach to practice, focusing on enjoying the game while refining his fundamentals.

Current Standing & Trajectory: Now ranked #3 in the WAGR and newly selected to the 2025 USA Walker Cup Team, Fang’s summer includes a major amateur championship, an NCAA team title, and paths into professional majors in 2026. The Western Amateur presents another proving ground for his next leap toward professional golf.

📺 HOW TO WATCH

For the first time in its storied history, the Western Amateur will stream live on ESPN+, bringing fans more than 12 hours of exclusive coverage produced by Thaler Media.

Starting Friday, August 1, viewers can watch the Sweet 16 match play round and follow the action through to Saturday's Championship Match. Expect live shots from Skokie Country Club, player interviews, and special features on the event’s legacy — hosted on-site by 1999 Western Amateur Champion Steve Scott.

  • Friday, Aug. 1: Sweet 16 (10 a.m.–1 p.m. CT), Quarterfinals (3–6 p.m. CT)
  • Saturday, Aug. 2: Semifinals (9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT), Championship (~1 p.m. CT)

Watch on: ESPN App, ESPN.com, TSN+ (Canada), Disney+ (Latin America/Caribbean)

🌏 Zackary Swanwick (Florida, New Zealand)

Co-medalist (-5). 2023 Australian Junior Champion, low amateur at 2024 New Zealand Open, stellar freshman at Florida (All-SEC Freshman Team). Known for strong match play performances and composure under pressure.

Early Foundations & Junior Career Highlights: Born in Napier, New Zealand, Swanwick built a decorated junior career, winning the 2023 Australian Junior Amateur and back-to-back NZ U19 titles (2022–23). He also placed 12th at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur and 11th at the Junior World Cup, leading Taradale High School to the NZ Secondary Schools Title and earning multiple domestic junior titles across New Zealand and Australia.

Collegiate Journey & Key Milestones: As a freshman at the University of Florida, Swanwick played all 12 events, securing a T7 finish at the Calusa Cup and firing a 66 in the Williams Cup. He excelled in match play, going 3-0 in the SEC Championship, clinching the winning point in the final, and adding a key quarterfinal win in the NCAA Championship. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments has marked him as one of the most promising young talents in college golf.

Amateur Circuit & Trajectory: Beyond collegiate play, Swanwick has notched top finishes in elite amateur events, highlighted by being Low Amateur at the 2024 New Zealand Open and 3rd at the Australian Masters of Amateur. Currently ranked #106 nationally, his well-rounded game, relentless dedication, and winning mindset have him on a fast track toward the professional stage.

⛳ Tommy Morrison (Texas, USA)

Early Foundations: A multi-sport athlete, Morrison prioritized golf early despite success in basketball. Key junior highlights include winning the Southern Junior Amateur (2020), earning Rolex First Team All-American honors, and medalist honors at the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur stroke play.

Collegiate Journey: A junior at Texas, Morrison has steadily climbed the collegiate ranks with multiple top-10 finishes, All-Central Region honors, Academic All-Big 12 selection, and his first collegiate win in February 2025.

Amateur Circuit: First American to win the European Amateur (2024), Bronze Medalist at The Open Championship, WAGR #5, invited to Walker Cup practice session 2024.

Strengths: Towering 6’9” frame, effortless power, refined swing likened to Ernie Els, resilient mindset overcoming early health challenges.

⛳ Garrett Endicott (Mississippi State, USA)

Early Foundations: Consistent high school performer, two-time 6A-Region IV champion, multiple top-5 state finishes, San Antonio Golfer of the Year nominee in 2021 and 2022.

Collegiate Journey: Rising senior with standout early collegiate record including tying program’s 54-hole record, SEC Golfer of the Week honors, and ranking fifth in program history for rounds at par or better.

Amateur Circuit: Runner-up at Southern Amateur 2025, top-10 at Sunnehanna Amateur, earned U.S. Amateur exemption. Currently WAGR #83.

Strengths: Aggressive scoring on par-5s, consistent low rounds, high birdie counts, strong under-pressure play.

⛳ Max Herendeen (Illinois, USA)

Early Foundations: Elite junior prospect, ranked #23 AJGA, Washington Junior Player of the Year, winner of 2022 Junior PGA Championship by 5 shots, four-time Metro Player of the Year.

Collegiate Journey: Sophomore standout with Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2024), 70.84 scoring average, multiple top-10s, winner of NCAA Stanford Regional with record-breaking score.

Amateur Circuit: Palmer Cup 2025 team member, Round of 16 Western Amateur, consistent high finishes in major amateur events. Ranked #17 WAGR.

Strengths: Technically sound swing, strong mental game focus, consistently low scoring, competitive mindset.

⛳ Stewart Hagestad (Mid-Amateur, USA)

Early Foundations: USC alum, long history with USGA events, gaining early high-level competition experience since 2008.

Amateur Circuit: Career amateur with three U.S. Mid-Amateur titles, four-time Walker Cup team member (2017-2023), Masters low amateur (2017), major appearances in six professional events.

Strengths: Exceptional match play record (28-4 US Mid-Am), mental toughness, powerful game, elite recovery play, respected leadership presence.

Current Standing: Ranked #38 WAGR, vying for historic fifth Walker Cup selection, remains a dominant figure in amateur golf despite younger competition.

🏴 Cameron Adam (Northwestern, Scotland)

Early Foundations: Mentored by Robert MacIntyre and supported by the Steven Gallacher Foundation, Adam honed his game early with guidance from top professionals in Scotland.

Collegiate Highlights: A senior at Northwestern with a 70.93 scoring average in 2024-25, First Team All-Big Ten honors, and his first collegiate win at The Clerico. Runner-up at St Andrews Links Collegiate and 5th at NCAA Tallahassee Regional.

Amateur Success: Winner of the 2025 St Andrews Links Trophy, first Scottish champion since 2014, earning a spot in The Open via the Open Amateur Series. Currently ranked #67 nationally.

Strengths: A composed closer under pressure, delivering birdies in crucial moments.

🇺🇸 Benjamin James (Virginia, USA)

Early Foundations: Former AJGA #1-ranked junior, winner of elite junior events like the Team Taylormade Invitational and Dustin Johnson World Junior. PGA TOUR debut at the 2022 Travelers Championship as a high schooler.

Collegiate Highlights: Junior at UVA with 5 collegiate wins, 2-time First Team All-American, 2023 Phil Mickelson Award recipient. Helped Virginia finish runner-up at the 2025 NCAA Championship. #1 in PGA TOUR U (Class of 2026).

Amateur Success: Two-time Walker Cup team member, U.S. Open qualifier in 2024 and 2025 with multiple PGA TOUR starts. WAGR #2 and an automatic Walker Cup selection for 2025.

Strengths: Highly disciplined, dedicated work ethic, elite putting skills inspired by PGA pro Denny McCarthy.

🇺🇸 Eric Lee (Oklahoma State, USA)

Early Foundations: 2022 AJGA Player of the Year, ranked #2 in Golfweek Junior Rankings, winner of the Rolex Tournament of Champions with nine top-10 junior finishes.

Collegiate Highlights: Sophomore at OSU, previously at Cal, contributed to the 2025 NCAA team title. Winner of Mountaineer Invitational, multiple top-10 collegiate finishes, strong NCAA match play record.

Amateur Success: Consistent top finishes, strong Western Am stroke play showing, WAGR #31. Highly rated for short game precision and mental resilience under pressure.

🇺🇸 William Sides (SMU, USA)

Early Foundations: Rolex All-American, four-year high school standout leading Cascia Hall to 2021 State Championship. USGA 4-Ball Round of 16 participant.

Collegiate Highlights: Junior at SMU with a 71.15 average, 21 par-or-better rounds, and a Stephens Cup win including match play success. Multiple All-Conference honors.

Amateur Success: WAGR #50, strong 2025 Western Am start with an opening 64 and T36 finish, rapidly ascending national profile.

Strengths: Low-scoring ability, consistent under-par performances, strong match play presence.

🇺🇸 Jase Summy (Oklahoma, USA)

Early Foundations: Two-time Rolex Junior All-American, top-10 national recruit, runner-up at Under Armour/Jordan Spieth Championship, Wyndham Cup team leader.

Collegiate Highlights: Junior at Oklahoma, 7 top-10 finishes, Maridoe Intercollegiate champion, 70.35 average (4th best in program history). Preseason All-American and All-Big 12 honors.

Amateur Success: Runner-up at 2024 Sunnehanna Amateur, T3 at Southern Am, member of 2025 U.S. Palmer Cup Team. WAGR #18 and high PGA TOUR U ranking.

Strengths: High birdie counts and low rounds, fearless scoring mentality.

🇯🇵 Taishi Moto (Arizona, Japan)

Early Foundations: Developed at Meguro Nihon University High School, with top finishes in Japan Amateur (6th), Nomura Cup (4th), and Asia-Pacific Amateur (T20).

Collegiate Highlights: Sophomore at Arizona, integrating his international game into NCAA Division I competition.

Amateur Success: T3 at Southern Amateur, runner-up at Australian Amateur, 10th at Australian Masters of Amateurs. WAGR #162, showing steady global rise.

Strengths: Clutch performer with proven ability to rally under pressure in match play situations.

🇺🇸 Bryan Lee (Virginia, USA)

Early Foundations: Highly ranked junior (#6 AJGA, Golfweek) with top finishes at Boys Junior PGA (T2) and The Junior PLAYERS Championship (T3). U.S. Junior Amateur match play qualifier.

Collegiate Highlights: Senior at UVA, key contributor to NCAA runner-up team, co-medalist at 2025 Puerto Rico Classic with a 9-under final round. Multiple top-5 finishes in ACC play.

Amateur Success: Qualified for 2025 U.S. Open, defeating pros in a playoff. Runner-up in 2024 Northeast Amateur. WAGR #259 with growing exposure in elite fields.

Strengths: Fundamentally sound, analytical approach to swing mechanics, thrives in pressure situations.

🇺🇸 Jacob Modleski (Notre Dame, USA)

Early Foundations: From Noblesville, Indiana, a two-time Indiana State Champion (2022-23), three-time All-State selection, and medalist at U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying. Reached match play at both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur in 2023.

Collegiate Highlights: Sophomore at Notre Dame, 2025 ACC individual champion – the first in program history – and record-holder for lowest season scoring average (68.5). Eight top-10 finishes in 12 events, 4th at NCAA Tallahassee Regional, 22nd at NCAA Championship.

Amateur Success: Quarterfinalist at 2024 U.S. Amateur, strong start at 2025 Western Am with an opening 64. WAGR #20. Known for precision play and bogey-free consistency under pressure.

Strengths: All heart and fight – thrives in team culture, clutch under pressure with elite consistency off the tee and on approaches.

🇫🇷 Hugo Le Goff (France, UVA Commit)

Early Foundations: One of Europe’s brightest young talents, leading Junior Ryder Cup standings, multiple national junior titles in France, and known for fearless, attacking golf.

Amateur Highlights: 2025 Spanish International Amateur champion (5&3 final win) and historic Lytham Trophy champion – first French winner since 1965. Rapid rise in WAGR from 132 to a best of #16 after these victories.

Collegiate Path: Set to join University of Virginia in Fall 2025, opting for NCAA Division I to refine his game against top U.S. collegiate talent.

Strengths: Exceptional short game and clutch performer. Closed Lytham with six birdies and decisive chips and putts under pressure. Mental toughness beyond his years.

🇺🇸 Tyler Watts (Amateur, Alabama)

Early Foundations: A left-handed prodigy from Huntsville, Alabama. Youngest Alabama State Amateur champion, runner-up at 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur, multiple top-5 junior finishes nationally.

Amateur Highlights: Breakout 2025 season: record-setting Sunnehanna Amateur champion (-19, youngest ever), runner-up at North & South Amateur, top-10 at Northeast Amateur. Course-record 62 at the Western Am opener.

College Path: University of Tennessee commit, poised to enter NCAA golf as one of the most hyped prospects of his class.

Strengths: Fearless ball-striking, mature course management, deadly putting streaks under pressure. Combines youthful aggression with a high golf IQ.

🔮 Predictions & Event Analysis

The 2025 Western Amateur Sweet 16 showcases the next wave of professional stars, with storylines pointing to fierce match play battles:

  • Favorites: Ethan Fang and Benjamin James bring major amateur wins and proven pressure play. Both are on Walker Cup shortlists and are likely to make deep runs.
  • Rising Stars: Tyler Watts and Hugo Le Goff have momentum, with record-breaking wins and fearless approaches that could topple veterans.
  • International Threats: Zackary Swanwick and Cameron Adam add global flavor, both proven in match play formats, capable of upsets.
  • Mid-Am Storyline: Stewart Hagestad is hunting a historic 5th Walker Cup berth. His match play experience makes him a dangerous draw for any opponent.
  • Predicted Final Four: Fang, James, Watts, Hagestad – mixing elite pedigree, hot form, and match play prowess.

With no set matchups yet, expect fireworks. Players like Morrison, Summy, and Modleski are poised for breakthroughs, while veterans like Hagestad could leverage experience to surprise. Birdies will be plentiful, but mental toughness will decide who lifts the George R. Thorne Trophy on Saturday.

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