Kazuma Kobori, Christiaan maas and their opponents were in a fierce battle at the 17th green of North Shore Country Club.
The pair were playing their final round of golf for the Western Amateur title at Glenview, Illinois. Kobori was a 21-year old New Zealander who also had an Elite Amateur Series title on the line.
Maas from South Africa is a rising sophomore in Texas. He bogeyed par-4 17, giving Kobori an advantage of one. Kobori, however, made a birdie on the 18th, giving him the Western Amateur title, one of the most prestigious amateur golf events.
Kobori stated, “It is surreal that I am holding this trophy right now.” “I was a little nervous and decided to try it. Christiaan had been putting so well that I thought I should give it a try. I’m glad it worked.
Kobori also earns the title of 2023 Elite Amateur Series, which means a variety of rewards. He will receive a PGA Tour exempt, which will be announced soon. He will earn a PGA Tour exemption to be announced, an exemption for the U.S. Open 2023 and a Korn Ferry Tour appearance in 2024. Nick Dunlap of Alabama led the Western Amateur by seven points. Dunlap lost in the quarterfinals match play.
Kobori placed ninth in stroke play after 72 holes. He defeated Mac McClear on Friday and Carson Bacha the next morning to reach the semifinals. He defeated 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Matthew McClean with 6 and 5 then he won 1 up on Saturday afternoon.
