No player from Arizona has ever earned the title of U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion, but 10 will have the chance to claim that honor on home soil —or should I say home desert— this week.
The 44th playing of the U.S. Mid-Amateur is also the third USGA championship to be held at Troon Country Club in North Scottsdale. It also counts as the 18th USGA championship and third U.S. Mid-Am to be held in Arizona.
This year’s representatives from Arizona are:
The field opens up with 264 golfers who will compete in two rounds of stroke play over the weekend, one round each at the Troon Country Club and Troon North Golf Club.
The low 64 scores from stroke play will advance to a four-day match play bracket. Six match play wins, including a 36-hole final, is what it takes to earn the championship crown.
The winner will receive a gold medal and the right to hold the Robert T. Jones Jr. Memorial Trophy for one year. They also earn an exemption from final qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
All U.S. Mid-Am winners since 1988 have also received an invitation to the Masters Tournament.
There will be 45 states and 19 countries represented at this year’s Mid-Am for players ranging from age 25-62. Arman, 31, is the youngest competitor from Arizona with Sanders, 61, being the oldest.