The Steam Room by MidamgolfHQ

December 2024

What we are steaming on this month:

As the year draws to a close, what an incredible journey it has been! A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all our subscribers for making this small but vibrant corner of the golf world such a resounding success in 2024. With nearly 1,000 loyal followers and an impressive 90% open rate, your enthusiasm and engagement continues to motivate us to write this thing month after month.

Now, let’s dive into the golf. November delivered in spades, wrapping up the competitive calendar with unforgettable drama. From the nail-biting finishes at the East-West Matches and the NIT to the spectacle of the Devils Elbow, it was a month to remember. We’ll break down all the highlights below.

As December rolls in, the pace slows considerably. While a smattering of regional action and a few USGA Four-Ball qualifiers will keep things interesting, the season is, for the most part, winding down.

For our friends in the north, it’s time to start dreaming about the Gasparilla and warmer days ahead. Meanwhile, those of you in warmer climates, soak up the beautiful weather, fine-tune your games, and get ready to tackle 2025.

We hope you enjoy this edition. Cheers!

2024 November Major Mid-Am Tournament Results

East West Cup Matches

November 1-3, 2024

Maridoe Golf Club

Champion: Team West

The East West Cup unfolded as a tightly contested affair from start to finish. Ultimately, it was the West team that triumphed in the Sunday singles session, securing victory at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas, with a final score of 24.5 to 20.5. This win gives the West a 2-1 lead in the bi-annual series. Notably, this year’s field boasted an impressive combined total of 589 USGA tournament appearances and 23 USGA national titles, as highlighted by the East-West Cup organization.

In the event’s history, the East dominated the 2022 Matches with a decisive 30.5-13.5 victory, while the inaugural 2020 competition saw the West claim a thrilling comeback win, edging out the East 23-22.

Established in 2020, the East West Matches occur every two years and employ a Ryder Cup-style format. This three-day competition features amateur, mid-amateur, and senior players from across the United States. The Mississippi River serves as the geographic boundary dividing the East and West teams. Each squad in 2024 included 18 players—six seniors and 12 mid-amateurs—marking a departure from prior years, where collegiate players participated.

With its mission of "promoting the amateur game by bringing the best amateurs in the United States together for highly competitive matches and camaraderie in its purest form," the East West Matches aim to elevate the spirit of the game. Although the series is now 2-1 in favor of the West, the competition’s legacy continues to grow as a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and enduring friendships.

Leaderboard
West Team 5.50-4.50-4.00-10.50=24.50
East Team 3.50-4.50-5.00-7.50=20.50

Full results HERE

Devils Elbow Invitational

November 7-9, 2024

Puntacana Resort

Champion: Connor Doyal

Connor Doyal delivered a sensational closing round of 4-under 68 to claim victory at the Devil’s Elbow Invitational by a razor-thin margin, edging out a trio of determined challengers. His impressive 9-under-par finish not only secured the title but also earned him an exclusive spot in the PGA Tour’s Corales Puntacana Championship this coming April.

Doyal began the final round trailing Andy Schonbaum, who had been vying for a wire-to-wire triumph, by two strokes. However, a blistering start catapulted Doyal into contention. With birdies on holes 1, 3, and 7, he carded a front-nine 33 that erased the deficit and brought him level with Schonbaum at 8-under-par. The back nine became a pressure-packed duel, but Doyal’s poise under fire proved decisive.

Relatively new to the Mid-Amateur ranks, Doyal has quickly established himself as a rising star. His autumn campaign showcased remarkable consistency, highlighted by a quarterfinal appearance at the U.S. Mid-Amateur. Earlier in the year, he demonstrated his versatility with a T7 finish at the prestigious Southeastern Amateur. This latest victory not only caps an already impressive season but also solidifies his place among the elite in amateur golf.

Doyal’s triumph at Devil’s Elbow is a testament to his tenacity and burgeoning talent—a performance that signals he is a player to watch as he takes the next step in his career.

Leaderboard
-9 | Connor Doyal | 69-70-68=207
-8 | Ricky Stimets | 71-71-66=208
-8 | Ryan Terry | 68-71-69=208
-8 | Andy Schonbaum | 68-69-71=208

Full results HERE

Birmingham National Invitational Tournament

November 1-3, 2024

The Country Club of Birmingham

Champion: Hunter Hamrick

The prestigious NIT did not disappoint this year! Hunter Hamrick of Pike Road, Ala., staged a brilliant back-nine charge at the Birmingham National Invitational to claim victory at the Country Club of Birmingham’s storied West Course. With four birdies in his final stretch, Hamrick surged to the top, securing the title with a 6-under total after rounds of 71-69-67 and finishing three shots clear of the field.

Hamrick began the day five strokes adrift of 36-hole leader Sean Rowan of Greenwood, Ind., but swiftly turned the tables. Rowan faltered with four bogeys in his opening eight holes, opening the door for Hamrick’s ascent. Calm and composed, Hamrick capitalized on his opportunities, showcasing the kind of sharp play that once made him a standout at the University of Alabama.

Friend of the page, Matt Vogt of Indianapolis, Ind., and Mitchell Ford of Little Rock, Ark., shared runner-up honors at 3-under, while Stewart Whitt of Athens, Ala., and Rowan settled for T4 at 2-under.

Off the course, Hamrick has carved out a new chapter in his golfing journey as the full-time caddie for PGA Tour pro Nick Dunlap, after serving as an assistant coach for Alabama from 2021 to 2023.

Hamrick’s win in Birmingham is a testament to his deep connection to the game—a triumph of skill, determination, and a passion for golf that continues to burn brightly.

Leaderboard
-6 | Hunter Hamrick | 71-69-67=207
Two Players Tied at -3

Full results HERE

2024 “Major” Mid-Am Event Schedule

Gasparilla Invitational - February 2024 - Charles Fitzsimmons

The Snedeker Memorial - March 2024 - Jordan Russell

George Coleman Invitational - April 2024 - Evan Beck

The Walter J. Travis Invitational - May 2024 - Ben Greve

John T. Lupton Memorial - May 2024 - Joe Deraney

USGA 4-Ball - May 2024 - Brian Blanchard & Sam Engel

The Huddleston Cup - June 2024 - Scott Harvey

Anderson Memorial 4-ball - June 2024 - Jim Chestnut & Scott Strickland

Carlton Woods Invitational - June 2024 - Shane Heise

George C Thomas Invitational - June 2024 - Evan Beck

Mid-Am Team Championship - August 2024 - Utah & Steele Dewald

The Picard Cup - August 2024 - Matt Vogt & Kevin O’Brien

The Valentine Invitational - August 2024 - Christian Brand

USGA Men’s Mid-Am - September 2024 - Evan Beck

USGA Women’s Mid-Am - September 2024 - Hana Ryskova

Trans-Miss Mid-Master Championship - September 2024 - Paul Mitzel

The Crump Cup - September 2024 - Andrew Price

John R. Williams 4-ball - October 2024 - Matt Parziale & Nick Maccario

The East-West Cup Matches - November 2024 - Team West

Devils Elbow - November 2024 - Conor Doyal

National Invitational Tournament - November 2024 - Hunter Hamrick

The Ice Bath

As we head into the winter offseason months, the ideas for the Ice Bath have run cold, so instead we’re posting memes now. Enjoy!

We love to feature our passionate mid-am golf community. If you have a story, achievement, or event you'd like to share, send us a DM on our Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) @midamgolfHQ

Until next month…..