Evan Barbin Wins 73rd Delaware Amateur

WILMINGTON, DE, June 26, 2024 – Evan Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club is the 73^rd Delaware Amateur champion. Evan captured the victory with a 72-hole total of 13-under par and a three-shot win at White Clay Creek Country Club. His win secures his spot to compete in the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club August 12-18, 2024.

Day One Recap – Monday, June 24

Under blustery conditions, Evan’s 3-under par 69 was the leading score and one of only three under par rounds out of a field of 108 amateur golfers at the end of the day. Evan had 5 birdies on the day and two bogeys.

“I’ve been playing well since college ended,” Barbin, 20, of Elkton, Md., and a rising junior at Liberty University, said. “My putting and short game have improved a lot. I am making progress with my game and am proud of where it is.”

“One of my strengths is flighting the ball low, which was key today in these conditions,” Barbin said. “All you can do is hit the shot you intend to and move on. The wind can play tricks with your mind and swing. I just wanted to trust my short game. This golf course isn’t your average Philadelphia golf course. There’s no room for error here.”

“Hitting my tee ball well is the cornerstone of my golf game. If I can do that, I find that I play really well.”

“I feel like I am in for a solid summer of golf,” Barbin said. “I am so close to winning a titel. I am focused on remaining composed and try not to have outbursts. 54 holes is a lot of golf so I will try to make as many birdies as possible and keep the ball in play. That should give me a good chance to be around at the end.”

Source: gapgolf.org

Day Two Recap – Tuesday, June 25

Evan shot a 1-under par 71 for a two day 36-Hole total of 140. He finished the day two shots behind Amory Davis of Bidermann Golf Club (the 2007 Delaware Amateur champion). Evan played a steady round of golf with 4 birdies on the day and three bogeys – playing the back nine 1-under par.

Day Three Recap – Wednesday, June 26

For the first 18-Holes, Evan made 6 birdies – with five on the back nine – to post a 3-under par 69 for the first round of the day and 7-under par total for the tournament. Amory Davis added to his lead making 5 birdies and an eagle and three bogeys to post a 4-under par 68 – finishing round one at 10-under par total.

For the final 18 holes, on the front nine, Evan shot a 1-under par 35, and Amory a 2-under par 34. Amory had a four shot lead going into the final nine holes of the championship.

The tide turned on the par 5 Hole #10. Amory made a chip in for bogey, and Evan hit his second shot – a 3-iron from 250 yards to 15 feet. He drained the putt for eagle. Amory was informed of an unfortunate two-shot penalty for hitting out of the environmentally- sensitive penalty areas. A five shot turn of events now gave Evan a one shot lead.

“That was the best shot I’ve hit in a while,” Barbin said. “That got me fired up. My heart rate was super high but I dialed it back in and remained calm.”

After the eagle on Hole #10, Evan put the pressure on making back-to-back birdies on holes 13 and hole 14.

However, on the par 5, 533 yard Hole 15, Evan hit his tee ball into the penalty area and had to take a drop. He spun a lob wedge from 80 yards to 10 feet and made the putt for a clutch par save.

To cap off the day, on the par 4, 372 yard Hole 18, Evan made his 15 footer for birdie to clinch his victory.

“I was pretty numb when that putt went in,” Barbin said. “It didn’t really hit me until my dad came over and whispered words of encouragement. It is a putt I won’t forget for the rest of my life. In a sense, it is going to change my life.”

Source: gapgolf.org

Evan’s Acceptance Speech

“It was hot and a long day but it was fun. Amory – it was a pleasure playing with you – it was one of the best days I’ve had playing golf. I just want to give God all the glory for today without Him I would not be standing here and holding this trophy. I want to thank White Clay Creek, Ryan, and the superintendent keeping the course pristine. It was in really good shape and I really enjoyed it out there. I want to thank the GAP for their help and all of their volunteers. It was a good week. I’m kind of speechless. I haven’t won almost – ever – so it was a fun time. So thank you.”

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Cover Photo Credit: GAP