Noah Kent and Jose Luis Ballester will face off in the 2024 U.S. Amateur final at Hazeltine National Golf Club, with the prestigious Havemeyer Trophy on the line. Kent, a rising Iowa sophomore, defeated Jackson Buchanan in the semifinals, while Ballester, a rising Arizona State senior, topped fellow Spaniard Luis Masaveu. Both players will receive invitations to next year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont and likely to the 2025 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
For Kent, the opportunity to compete in major championships like the U.S. Open and the Masters is a dream come true. After missing out on the U.S. Junior Amateur due to a wrist injury last year, Kent is gaining confidence and is determined to secure the U.S. Amateur title. The 19-year-old Naples, Fla. native is ranked 560th in the world and is looking forward to the 36-hole match play final against Ballester.
Ballester, the 10th-ranked amateur player, is the son of two Olympians and has shown strong consistency throughout the tournament. Despite missing putts on the front nine in the semifinals, Ballester remained confident in his swing and eventually closed out the match against Masaveu. With a calm demeanor and trust in his abilities, Ballester is prepared to challenge Kent in the final round of the U.S. Amateur.
The U.S. Amateur final will feature 36 holes of match play, with the first 18 starting at 8:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, followed by a break for lunch before the final 18 holes commence. Golf Channel will broadcast the final round from 2-5 p.m. ET, allowing fans to witness the intense competition between Kent and Ballester. Both players are focused on maintaining their composure and playing their best golf to secure the coveted title.
As the climax of the U.S. Amateur tournament approaches, Kent and Ballester are mentally preparing for the challenging final match. Kent emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed and not putting too much pressure on himself, while Ballester highlights his confidence in his swing and ability to stay calm under pressure. With the opportunity to compete in major championships and make a name for themselves in the golf world, both players are eager to showcase their skills and determination in the final showdown.
For Kent and Ballester, the U.S. Amateur final represents a significant milestone in their amateur golf careers. With the chance to claim the Havemeyer Trophy and secure spots in prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Masters, both players are motivated to give their best performance on the final day. As they face off in a grueling 36-hole match, Kent and Ballester will rely on their skills, mental fortitude, and competitive spirit to emerge victorious and etch their names in the history of amateur golf.
