LOS ANGELES, CA (June 28, 2025) — Drew Kittleson delivered a masterclass at Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course, shooting rounds of 68-69-66 for a 54-hole total of 203 (-7) to win the George C. Thomas Invitational by a commanding 10 shots over Stephen Hale.
Kittleson’s final-round 66 featured a front-nine 31 that set the tone for an emphatic win. He was the only player to finish under par on one of the game's most demanding amateur tests.
Drew Kittleson wins the 2025 George C. Thomas Invitational at LACC by 10 shots 🔥
— AmateurGolf.com (@amateurgolfcom) June 29, 2025
203 (-7) on one of amateur golf’s toughest tests.
A masterclass at one of George C. Thomas Jr.’s greatest designs.https://t.co/grl4IDFhef#AmateurGolf #LACC pic.twitter.com/uFv6RKXN8f
Final Mid-Amateur Leaderboard
| Pos | Player | Total | R1 | R2 | R3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Kittleson | -7 (203) | 68 | 69 | 66 |
| 2 | Stephen Hale | +3 (213) | 69 | 74 | 70 |
| 3 | Derek Busby | +4 (214) | 71 | 72 | 71 |
| 4 | Christian Cavaliere | +5 (215) | 73 | 71 | 71 |
A Test Worthy of a Legend
The George C. Thomas Invitational honors architect George C. Thomas Jr., whose strategic designs shaped LACC’s North Course. The restored 1921 layout is famed for demanding angles, firm greens, and risk-reward strategy, hosting events like the 2017 Walker Cup and 2023 U.S. Open.
First played in 2012, the Invitational has become one of the top mid-amateur events in the country. Champions like Evan Beck, Scott Harvey, and Chip Lutz have added their names to its roll of honor. Now Kittleson joins them, capping his week with a dominant, thoughtful performance worthy of the venue’s heritage.
About Drew Kittleson
Drew Kittleson first rose to national attention as the 2008 U.S. Amateur runner-up at Pinehurst No. 2 while a freshman at Florida State. That finish earned him starts in the 2009 Masters and U.S. Open. Though he missed both cuts, he credits those experiences for fueling a lifelong love of the game.
After a stint on pro tours, Kittleson left golf to build a business in Scottsdale. At Whisper Rock, he rediscovered golf for its friendships and competition. He returned to amateur play, notching strong runs in the U.S. Mid-Am and Four-Ball, and playing for the U.S. in the Bridges Cup, a Ryder Cup-style team event. His 2025 George C. Thomas Invitational win marks a career highlight for one of amateur golf’s most thoughtful competitors.
