Hamilton Coleman Wins U.S. Junior Amateur Championship

A beautiful summer day at the championship golf course.

News Summary

Seventeen-year-old golfer Hamilton Coleman claimed the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship with a 2-and-1 victory over Minh Nguyen. Coleman’s decisive win at Trinity Forest Golf Club secures his place in the 2025 U.S. Open and highlights his promising future in collegiate golf at the University of Georgia. This championship marks a notable achievement in Coleman’s career and breaks a long-standing drought for the Georgia Bulldogs golf program.

Augusta, Georgia – Hamilton Coleman, a 17-year-old golfer, clinched the prestigious U.S. Junior Amateur Championship with a decisive 2-and-1 victory over Minh Nguyen of Vietnam. The final took place at the Trinity Forest Golf Club, where Coleman notably secured his victory with a challenging 15-foot birdie putt on the 35th hole, showcasing his remarkable skill and poise under pressure.

This victory not only marks a significant achievement in Coleman’s budding career but also qualifies him for the 2025 U.S. Open, set to be held at Shinnecock Hills in New York. Coleman, who plans to further his golfing career at the University of Georgia, displayed a commanding performance throughout the 36-hole match, leading from start to finish.

During the morning round, Coleman quickly established dominance, going 5 up through the first 12 holes. Minh Nguyen, committed to play at Oregon State, fought back by winning three of the next four holes, creating tension and excitement in the match. However, Coleman maintained a lead and entered the afternoon round with a 3-up advantage.

As the tournament progressed, Coleman extended his lead to 4 up with 11 holes remaining, which placed him in a strong position to claim the title. Even as Nguyen rallied late in the match, Coleman’s consistent quality shots kept him in the driver’s seat. By the time they reached the final holes, Coleman clung to a slim 1-up lead. He ultimately closed the match with a birdie on the 99-yard 17th hole, sealing his victory.

Nguyen’s impressive performance throughout the tournament earned him a runner-up finish, granting him an exemption from qualifying for the U.S. Amateur next month at Olympic Club in San Francisco. This achievement is especially significant as Nguyen became the first Vietnamese player to reach a USGA final, a milestone he recognized as a remarkable accomplishment.

This win also breaks a notable drought for the University of Georgia, as Coleman is the first future Georgia Bulldog to win the U.S. Junior Amateur title since Brian Harman’s victory in 2003. This achievement underscores the strong legacy of Georgia’s golf program and the potential Coleman brings to it.

The championship, contested at both Trinity Forest Golf Club and Brook Hollow Golf Club, featured challenging course designs that tested the skills of all participants. Coleman particularly shone through a demanding tournament summer, which culminated in a seven-hole playoff during stroke play just to enter the match play stage of the championship.

Coleman’s journey to the top reflects both his talent and resilience. His victory in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship is not just a personal milestone but also a promising sign for his future in the sport, especially with the impending transition to collegiate golf.