Lucas Politano, a rising senior at Otter Valley Union High School, triumphed in the 118th Vermont Amateur Championship, clinching victory in a dramatic four-man playoff.
One of just three juniors to make the cut, Politano shot impressive rounds of 72-68-72 (-1). Notably, he birdied the 52nd and 54th holes of the championship to secure his place in the playoff.
Politano, alongside competitors Travis Russell, Michael Walsh, and Walker Allen, returned to the 18th hole for the decisive playoff. Politano and Allen both birdied the first playoff hole, advancing to a two-man showdown. On the second playoff hole, Politano sank his third consecutive birdie on the 18th hole, while Allen missed his attempt, sealing Politano’s victory.
The 118th Vermont Amateur Championship belonged to the 17-year-old from Brandon, Vermont.
Heavy rains on Wednesday postponed the second round, which was completed the following morning before the final round began.
Starting the final round one shot behind leader Travis Russell, Politano maintained his composure. Russell held on to a one-stroke lead through the front nine but stalled out coming home, allowing Politano, Walsh, and Allen, who all played the back nine under par, to catch up.
This championship adds to Politano's impressive summer. Last week, he won the New England Junior PGA Championship, earning a spot in the 2024 National Junior PGA Championship. In June, Politano secured medalist honors at the U.S. Junior qualifier in Brewster, Massachusetts, with a score of 69 (-3), winning by two strokes and qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur.
He will compete in the U.S. Junior at Oakland Hills Golf Club from July 22-27 and in the National Junior PGA Championship at Congressional Golf Club from July 30 to August 2.
Following a busy summer competing in the best fields in junior golf, Politano aims to win his third consecutive Vermont State Championship this fall.