Last year, Evan Beck made it into the championship match of the U.S. Mid-Amateur but lost. This year, there was no doubt.
Beck, the 34-year-old from Virginia Beach, Virginia, topped Bobby Massa 9 and 8 on Thursday at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. He became the first medalist or co-medalist since 2014 to take home the title, and the victory comes with plenty of perks.
With the win, Beck earns an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and a likely invitation to the 2025 Masters. He also has an excellent opportunity to make the Walker Cup team for the 50th edition at Cypress Point in California, as well, as the top-ranked American mid-amateur in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Beck took an 8-up lead into the 18-hole break over Massa, a quarterfinalist at last month’s U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National in Minnesota. He won nine holes in the morning session, and then won the 19th hole to go 9 up.
Evan Beck as seen with the Robert T. Jones Jr. Memorial Trophy after winning the 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Va. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Logan Whitton/USGA)
Massa, a 36-year-old from Dallas who serves as the personal trainer for USGA president Fred Perpall, has ball speeds that reach into the 190s at points and is one of the longest hitters in the game.
However, Thursday belonged to Beck, who with his victory Thursday set up what’s bound to be an incredible year of golf in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Evan Beck wins 43rd U.S. Mid-Amateur in dominating fashion, makes Walker Cup case
