Trevor Gutschewski clinched the U.S. Junior Amateur title with a 4 and 3 victory over Tyler Watts, securing a spot in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont.
The 17-year-old Gutschewski sealed his win with a short putt on the 33rd hole, celebrating with his parents on the 15th green at Oakland Hills.
“It’s really hard to stay in the moment, walking up fairways thinking about playing in the U.S. Open next year,” Gutschewski said.
His father, Scott Gutschewski, a PGA Tour player, left the 3M Open after missing the cut to watch his son’s triumph.
Gutschewski, Nebraska’s first junior amateur champion, attends Omaha Westside High School and is entering his senior year. His opponent, 16-year-old Tyler Watts from Huntsville, Ala., is heading into his junior year.
In the 36-hole match, Gutschewski went 3-up early, highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole. Watts rallied to go 2-up on the 17th hole but fell behind for good on the 25th hole. A few hundred fans, taking advantage of free admission, parking, and shuttle services, witnessed the event.
Tiger Woods, who won the junior amateur three times, watched his son Charlie compete, bringing significant attention to the championship. Charlie Woods, however, missed the cut after rounds of 82 and 80.
“Awesome for him to be here and bring attention to these kids and help grow the game,”
Scott Gutschewski commented on Tiger Woods’ presence.
