Leopold, Hamilton Square Off in 119th State Amateur Final
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
WARWICK – It was only eight weeks ago when Michael Hamilton and Tommy McCormick stood on the first tee at Philadelphia Cricket Club in Philadelphia as they prepared to compete together in the 2024 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship.
On Friday, they stood on the first tee at Warwick Country Club together, only this time as competitors in semifinal match of the 119th State Amateur Championship. As close friends, fellow Kirkbrae Country Club members, and frequent playing partners, they knew it was going to be an intense match. It didn’t disappoint and when it was finished Hamilton walked away with a 1-up victory to advance to the final Saturday against defending champion Bobby Leopold, who defeated Max Jackson, 4&2.
It’s the second time in a three-year span Hamilton will play for the championship. He was the runner-up to Kevin Blaser in 2022.
“It means a lot,” Hamilton said about returning to the final. “I worked really hard to get there in ’22, and to get back there means a ton. We work really hard to have a chance at this, so when you have a chance, and you get there it means more and more each time. Hopefully I can learn from some of the mistakes a couple of years ago, but I did some good things that day, too. I’m hoping I can find the balance and play well.”
While Blaser defeated Hamilton 1-up in the 36-hole final at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club in 2022, he plans to use that experience against Leopold, who has won this championship four times.
“There’s a lot,” Hamilton said. “With Kevin, because it’s such a long day I eased into the day. I feel like (Saturday) I need to be aggressive all day, but that’s a tough mentality to keep for 36 holes, so you have to think about picking your spots and really playing to your strengths. I’m also really happy it’s not off a 36-hole day. If today was a 36-hole day, I have nothing left in the tank – nothing. I’m happy we get some rest and that will help – hopefully.”
Hamilton’s confident after Friday’s victory against McCormick, who admitted he had plenty of chances but couldn’t even the match late. In fact, it was so close Hamilton was the last player to win a hole, which was No. 7, to go 1-up and it stayed that way for the remainder of the match until he walked off 18 with the win.
“I knew I was going to be in for a fight today,” McCormick said. “I know Mike’s talent better than anybody in the state with all the rounds of golf we’ve played together. He was really on point early on . . . he played spectacularly and we both felt a little fatigue at the end. Congrats to Mike. He’s one heck of a player and I’m so proud of him. Honestly, I hope he does really well (Saturday).”
As they walked off the 18th green, McCormick hugged Hamilton and said: “I love you, buddy. Good luck.”