Future Gator Trevor Gutschewski wins U.S. Junior Amateur Championship

Trevor Gutschewski’s name will now be etched alongside PGA stars like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and three-time winner Tiger Woods on the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship trophy.

Entering the competition at Oakland Hills Country Club, Trevor was an unheralded name, but he made history by becoming the third son of a former or current PGA Tour player to win the Junior Amateur. He defeated runner-up Tyler Watts in the 36-hole final with a 4-and-3 victory.

Reflecting on the iconic names on the trophy, Trevor humorously commented, “I don’t even know. One of these guys a long time ago I think. Probably this Tiger Woods guy.”

Despite his modest ranking of 3,570th compared to Watts’ 121st in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Trevor proved his mettle throughout the week. He showcased exceptional skill on the South Course, starting strong and securing two of the last three holes to clinch the win.

“I just needed to come out and play solid golf,” Trevor said of the last 18 holes. “Just not make many mistakes, like I’ve been saying. I came out, played solid golf, and didn’t make many mistakes, so it all worked out pretty well.”

Hailing from Omaha, Neb., Trevor had family and friends supporting him, including his father Scott, a three-time Korn Ferry Tour winner, and his caddie, high school teammate Jackson Benge. A highlight of Trevor’s performance was an eagle from roughly 100 yards out on Hole 6.

“It must have taken a while to go in because we didn’t see it,” Trevor said. “Everyone up there threw their hands up, so we figured it went in.”

Florida head coach J.C. Deacon congratulated Trevor after his victory, though he couldn’t comment officially until Trevor signs. Scott Gutschewski, who missed the cut at the 3M Open mid-week, praised his son’s performance, saying, “Trevor’s been playing well since the spring. I knew if things went his way, he had a chance.”

Benge, who has played with Trevor since childhood, added, “This was just a great stage for him to show what he had and what we’re about in Nebraska. Everyone knows him back home, but it took a big stage for everyone to see it.”

Watts, reflecting on his performance, admitted fatigue played a role in the final round. “I think my body really caught up to me on the last 18. I just didn’t have my best stuff these last 18 holes … My driver definitely killed me today. I didn’t hit any fairways. I think my putter was really the only thing that kept me in it the first 18.”

In addition to the trophy, Trevor, who played 124 holes throughout the week – the most played by a winner in the 36-hole era dating back to 2005 – earns exemptions into future age-eligible U.S. Junior Amateurs, the 2024 and 2045 U.S. Amateur, and the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

“It’s going to be awesome (playing in the U.S. Open),” Trevor said. “It’s going to be really cool to play in those tournaments after watching my dad play in those for my whole life, really.”

Trevor’s journey to victory, supported by his family, friends, and future coach, highlights his potential and the bright future ahead in his golfing career.