Jose Luis Ballester, a student at Arizona State University, made history by becoming the first Spanish player to win the U.S. Amateur golf tournament. The 21-year-old claimed victory over Noah Kent, a sophomore from Iowa, with a 2 up lead at Hazeltine Golf Club on his 21st birthday. Ballester, ranked among the top 10 amateurs globally, seized an early lead and maintained it throughout the 36-hole match.
This triumph marks Ballester’s achievement alongside Jon Rahm as the only Spanish winners of a USGA tournament. Both Ballester and Kent secured exemptions for the Masters and the U.S. Open next year, with Ballester also earning a spot in the British Open. Despite facing deficits in his previous matches, Ballester dominated from the beginning of the final match, showcasing composure and skill.
Kent, ranked 560th in the world amateur ranking, displayed resilience, narrowing the gap at several points during the match. His remarkable putt for eagle on the 25th hole brought him closer to Ballester. Despite a late surge, Kent ultimately fell short as Ballester regained control to secure the victory. The intense final match saw Ballester holding off Kent’s comeback attempts on the challenging Hazeltine course.
Having grown up playing hockey, Kent aimed to become the first Iowa player to win the U.S. Amateur, clad in a polo with a Hawkeyes logo. Despite strong support from fans, Kent could not surpass the determined play of Ballester. The Hazeltine Golf Club, known for hosting prestigious golf events, witnessed another memorable U.S. Amateur tournament featuring emerging talents in the sport.
The U.S. Amateur tournament, which began with 312 players competing across two courses, culminated in an exciting showdown between Ballester and Kent. With a rich history of showcasing golf legends, the tournament has been a stepping stone for renowned players like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson. Ballester’s victory adds to the tournament’s legacy and underscores the competitive spirit of emerging golf talents on the international stage.