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.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.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
