Tommy Morrison is the 2024 European Amateur Champion. The American player secured the title in a three-way play-off, at the conclusion of a dramatic day of golf at The Scandinavian Golf Club.
Trailing the leader by two shots at the beginning of round four, Morrison started the day with a bogey, although a hole-out eagle from the fairway on the third hole quickly turned his momentum back around for the better. Birdies on 8, 9, 10 and 12 brought him right back into contention, with further birdies at 15 and 17 putting him into the outright lead.
The 19-year-old set up another four-foot birdie chance on the 72nd hole, which was not only for a two-shot lead, but also a course-record tying 65 (-7). Morrison not only missed once, but twice for an unexpected bogey.
He still took the club-house lead at -9 with a round of 67 (-5), although a dozen players were still on the course behind him. Ireland’s Max Kennedy had a 15-foot birdie chance for -10 on the 18th but was unable to convert.
Even bigger was the opportunity for Germany’s Tim Wiedemeyer, who was standing at -10 on the 18th tee, thanks to four birdies in a row. But he collapsed on the final par-5, with two balls in the hazard putting an end to his hopes of victory.
Playing in the final pairing, overnight leader, Preston Summerhays from the USA secured a crucial birdie on the 18th, to also make it to 9 under par for the championship. He joined Morrison and Kennedy in a three-hole aggregate play-off.
All three players hit the green and parred the short par-3 9th, although the par-3 10th turned the playoff into a two-horse race.
Ranked as the most difficult hole to par all week, Morrison and Kennedy both walked off with birdies, while Summerhays couldn’t get up-and-down from the greenside bunker.
A drive left out to the right on the 18th meant Kennedy couldn’t go for the par-5 island green in two, while Morrison hit the centre of the fairway. After attacking the green, the American’s second shot somehow finished in between the two greenside bunkers, leaving a relatively straightforward chip to the flag.
Max Kennedy was able to give himself a 20-foot birdie opportunity, but he failed to convert.
After a good chip shot and a second chance very similar to his first on the 72nd hole, Morrison did not let it go by this time.
The 19-year-old rolled his 5-foot putt into the centre to become the first American player to ever win the European Amateur Championship.
“I’m over the moon right now, couldn’t be happier” said Morrison after the win. “I was just happy to have another chance, I’ve been playing great golf the last couple of months, and took it as a moment to show people how I’ve been playing and what I can do. I did a great job so I’m super excited”.
The victory also earns Morrison an invitation to The 152nd Open Championship At Royal Troon.
“It’s amazing, I haven’t played in a professional event. To have The Open be my first professional event, it’s pretty amazing, I couldn’t be happier.”
Finishing at fourth place this week, Calum Scott from Scotland will also have the opportunity to play in the next Open Championship at home, as the top player of The Open Amateur Series.
Max Kennedy would take home the silver medal, and Preston Summerhays the bronze.
