Curtis Luck has made Australian golfing history, becoming the nation’s second winner of the US Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club.
After a close battle early with American Brad Dalke, Luck put on a clinical display in the second round.
All-square after 18, Luck lost the 19th hole with a bogey to trail for just the second time in the match. Then out of nowhere came one of the greatest runs you’ll see in any matchplay final. It took just two holes for Luck to turn his deficit into a lead, and his streak kept going into the turn, winning eight holes straight to be 7-up with nine to play.
Over that stretch, Luck went 4-under par while turning the screws on Dalke who was +5 over between the 19th and 27th.
The win will see Luck’s name added to the prestigious Havemyer Trophy alongside some of the greatest who have played the game, including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson.
Luck also joins 2003 champion Nick Flanagan as the only Australians to win the championship, however some say Australia lay claim to another name on that list. Walter Travis, a champion in 1901, 1902 and 1904, was a dual citizen of Australia and the United States.
As the US Amateur champion, Luck will be invited to three of next year’s four majors; the US Masters, US Open and British Open – provided that he maintains his Amateur status.
During the brief trophy presentation, Luck showed his intention to make the most of his winnings, declaring his intention to stay amateur for at least another year, having previously expressed the desire to contest Q-School in Japan and Europe later this year.
With his father Stuart on the bag for the entire week, Luck also said he was delighted that his family made the call to travel and be there to share this moment, stating that “It’s pretty unlikely for an Australian to win a USGA event.”
Luck could be forgiven for his short memory considering the moment, with Luck joining 2016 US Boys champion Min Woo Lee for an incredible double for Australia and Western Australia.
To view highlights of the Championship Match, click here.