Austin Barbin wins 103rd Maryland Amateur
ROCKVILLE, MD, June 9, 2024 — Austin Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club is the 103rd Maryland Amateur Champion! His win secures his spot to compete in the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club August 12-18, 2024.
The 103rd Maryland Amateur Championship hosted by the Maryland State Golf Association was held at Manor Country Club in Rockville, Maryland June 6-9, 2024. During the 18 Hole stroke play qualifying round to determine the seeding for the match play field of 32, Austin shot a 3-under par 67 finishing in 3rd place out of a field of 137 amateurs.
In the Round of 32 Match on Friday, June 7th, Austin defeated Travis Russell of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm 6&4. Austin made 5 birdies to finish 6 up.
Austin competed against Ryan McCarthy of Argyle Country Club in the Round of 16 on Friday, June 7th. Austin again made 5 birdies in this match to decisively win 7up with 5 to play.
In the Quarterfinals on Saturday, June 8th, Austin had a competitive match with Benton Weinberg of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. Austin made 4 birdies, including a clutch birdie on hole #14 and a win on hole #16 to finish the match 1 up.
In the Semifinal match on Saturday, June 8th, Austin was paired with the defending 2023 Maryland Amateur champion Kevin Grady of Rolling Road Golf Club. Austin made an impressive 6 birdies and an eagle to win his match 5 up with 3 to play.
In the 36 Hole Championship match on Sunday, June 9th, Austin’s challenger was Jake Roth of Lakewood Country Club. Austin was 3 up after the first 18 holes, and after a grueling seven rounds of golf in four days, Austin sank his 10 foot birdie putt on Hole #12 to claim the championship 7 up with 6 to play.
Acceptance Speech
“I would like to thank God first and foremost. I’ve had a very tough last few years with my game, and this is the one I wanted to play in, this is the one I really wanted to win. This has been a test of not only of my faith, but also my game. I have a great support crew with my family, my girlfriend. It’s been a really great week. I also want to thank the MSGA and The Manor – it’s been a surreal week. It’s not going to sink in for a little while.”
MSGA Interview
“This week has been awesome. Started with stroke play – got a good groove there. Just really found the strengths of my game and stuck to it. It’s been an awesome week.”
“The course was in amazing shape – the greens were firm and fast – that’s how you want a championship venue. The course was about as difficult of a test as I’ve played. As I said yesterday, college golf definitely prepared me for this. And I honestly was not expecting it to be this much of a challenge – but I was able to battle it and I take my hat off for Jake, he played great as well and we had a great battle. It’s been a fun week – I’m going to soak it in.”
“Played in the US Am once about five years ago and always wanted to be back, so I’m stoked. It hasn’t sunk in yet but playing the US Am is the highest level of golf and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Having Dad on the Bag
“It was awesome [having my dad on the bag]. When that final putt dropped on the last, he kinda choked up and got a little teary eyed. It was awesome. We’re a great team. We’ve been through a lot together and it’s been a great week and having him on the bag just means so much more.”