The U.S. Amateur Championship always delivers compelling storylines of triumph and disappointment, and the 2024 edition was no exception. From rising stars to shocking upsets, the tournament provided a captivating display of amateur golf’s finest talent, defined by its high-stakes drama. Several highly-ranked players lived up to expectations, while others faltered under pressure, leading to surprising early exits.
Table of Contents
Five Players to Watch
Several players entered the match play portion of the U.S. Amateur with significant momentum and high expectations, establishing themselves as contenders for the Havemeyer Trophy. Their performance during stroke play and their prior accomplishments made them individuals to keep a close eye on as the competition intensified.
Jimmy Ellis: Medalist Honors
Jimmy Ellis seized the No. 1 seed after a remarkable performance in the second round of stroke play. According to AmateurGolf.com’s report, Ellis carded an impressive 9-under 61 at Chaska Town Club, showcasing exceptional ball-striking and putting prowess. His dominant performance positioned him as a formidable opponent in the match play bracket.
Gordon Sargent: Top-Ranked Contender
Gordon Sargent, the No. 2 ranked amateur in the world, demonstrated resilience and skill by bouncing back from an opening-round setback. As reported by the USGA, Sargent fired a 3-under 67 at Hazeltine National Golf Club to comfortably make the cut. His ability to recover from adversity and his undeniable talent made him a dangerous player to face in match play.
Walker Cup Team Standouts
The 2023 Walker Cup team was well-represented in the match play field, with several members advancing after solid performances in stroke play. Ben James, David Ford, and Preston Summerhays all made the cut and displayed the form that earned them a spot on the prestigious team. Their experience in high-pressure situations and their proven track records made them players to watch as the tournament progressed.
John Daly II Advances
John Daly II, son of two-time major champion John Daly, successfully navigated the early rounds of match play, adding another layer of intrigue to the championship. While specific details of his matches weren’t provided, his advancement demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level and handle the pressure of the U.S. Amateur stage.
Surprising Early Exits: Unexpected Departures
The U.S. Amateur is known for its unpredictable nature, and the 2024 edition was no exception. Several highly-touted players and past champions experienced surprising early exits, highlighting the depth of talent in the amateur game and the challenges of performing under pressure.
Stroke Play Casualties
The stroke play portion of the championship claimed several notable victims, including members of the U.S. National Junior Team. Blades Brown, Miles Russell, Tyler Watts, and Michael Riebe all failed to make the cut, a surprising result given their status as some of the top junior players in the country. Their early departures underscored the difficulty of navigating the demanding conditions and the pressure of performing on a national stage.
Jackson Koivun: College Player of the Year Out
Jackson Koivun, the unanimous college player of the year, also experienced an unexpected early exit. As noted by Golf Magazine, Koivun’s failure to make the cut was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. His stellar play throughout the college season had positioned him as a favorite, but he was unable to replicate that success at the U.S. Amateur.
Other Notable Missed Cuts
Several other accomplished players also missed the cut, including 2024 Western Amateur champion Ian Gilligan, 2021 Latin America Amateur champion Aaron Jarvis, and 2024 NCAA Division I individual champion Hiroshi Tai. Godfrey Nsubuga, the first player from Uganda to compete in a USGA championship, also failed to advance. These surprising eliminations highlighted the depth of talent in the field and the challenges of performing consistently under pressure.
Match Play Upsets
The early rounds of match play also produced some surprising results, with several highly-ranked players falling to lower-seeded opponents. Tommy Morrison (No. 6) and Filip Jakubcik (No. 5), both ranked in the top 10 in the amateur rankings, were among those who were eliminated early. According to Greenwich Time, these upsets demonstrated the unpredictable nature of match play, where anything can happen on any given day.
U.S. Amateur: The Thrill of Competition
The 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship delivered a compelling narrative of rising stars and unexpected exits. From Jimmy Ellis’s impressive medalist performance to the surprising eliminations of highly-ranked players, the tournament showcased the depth and competitiveness of amateur golf. The event served as a reminder that anything can happen in match play, and that even the most talented players are vulnerable to pressure and unexpected challenges. The U.S. Amateur continues to be a proving ground for future stars and a stage for dramatic upsets, solidifying its place as one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world.
