Coleman, Georgia’s young prospect, conquers the US Junior Amateur

Hamilton Coleman Wins U.S. Junior Amateur

In an exciting final played on Saturday, Hamilton Coleman won the U.S. Junior Amateur, defeating Minh Nguyen of Vietnam. The 17-year-old golfer from Augusta, Georgia, secured the victory with a 15-foot birdie on the 35th hole, sealing a 2-and-1 win. This triumph earns Coleman a place in next year’s U.S. Open, which will be held at Shinnecock Hills. Coleman, who is set to play college golf at Georgia, maintained control of the 36-hole match at Trinity Forest from the start. However, the tenacity of Nguyen, who will play for Oregon State, kept the competition close until the end. Coleman got a 5-hole lead in the first 18, but Nguyen reacted by winning three of the next four holes. With a 3-hole lead at the start of the afternoon, Coleman extended his lead to 4 holes with 11 to play, before Nguyen closed the gap again.

I knew I couldn’t relax. I had to keep playing quality shots. The situation got a little tense, but I never lost faith. I told my caddie I was nervous, but not scared. I was proud of that.

Hamilton Coleman

With only four holes to play, Coleman maintained a one-hole lead. Nguyen had two birdie opportunities from 12 feet to tie, but missed both. Finally, Coleman secured the victory with a birdie on the 17th hole, from 99 yards. For Nguyen, second place guarantees him exemption from qualifying for next month’s U.S. Amateur at the Olympic Club.