Toby Wilt wins the 116th Texas Amateur presented by Hytera US
WACO – Toby Wilt of Fort Worth captured the 116th Texas Amateur presented by Hytera US, earning a two-stroke victory after carding a final-round 71 at Ridgewood Country Club. Wilt finished two shots clear of the field at 12-under par 268 after four rounds.
“Yeah, it’s awesome to win in this sport,” Wilt said after securing the title. “It’s never easy. To get it done today in front of the crowd and the people I love was super important to me.”
Wilt, a TCU golfer, entered the final round with a three-stroke lead and maintained control throughout the day. A birdie on No. 4 pushed him to 14-under and widened his lead. He added another birdie on No. 9 to give himself an extra cushion heading into the back nine.
A bogey on No. 13 opened the door slightly for the chasing pack. Moments later, play was suspended for 2 hours and 20 minutes due to weather. Players then waited out the latest delay in what had already been a marathon of a tournament.
“Yeah, during the delay it was really about staying present,” Wilt said. “Trying to stay off the phone, talk with who I’m with, and not needing to look at what I’ve been doing.”
When play resumed, Wilt steadied himself and carried the lead to No. 18. His tee shot found the left rough between trees, but he punched an iron through a gap to just short of the green. Wilt then made the traditional walk up the 18th fairway toward the final green, chipped past the hole and two-putted for bogey to seal the victory and add his name to the H.L. Edwards Trophy.
On top of winning the prestigious title, Wilt earned an exemption into the 125th U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club.
“Yeah, earning the exemption is awesome,” Wilt said. “It will be my first USGA event, so it’ll be nice to go out there, get a feel for the golf course, represent Texas, and hopefully come out with another win.”
Tied for second at 10-under 270 were Hudson Wilt of Fort Worth, Carson Gallaher of New Braunfels, and Jaxon Bandelier of Austin.
Finishing tied for fifth at 9-under 271 were mid-amateurs Andrew Paysse of Temple and Ryan O’Rear of Leander.
Rounding out the top 10 were Adam Villanueva of Austin, Braden Smith of Lago Vista, Andrew Baucum of Heath, and Price Hill of Boerne, who each finished at 8-under 272.
The Texas Golf Association thanks Hytera US for sponsoring the 116th Texas Amateur and looks forward to continuing the partnership for the 117th Texas Amateur at Spanish Oaks Golf Club next June.
The TGA also extends its gratitude to Ridgewood Country Club, its staff, board of directors, and members for hosting the championship.
Next on the TGA men’s schedule is the 45th Texas Father-Son, set for July 11-13 at The Clubs of Kingwood. To see the Final Results of the 116th Texas Amateur presented by Hytera US, click here. To learn more about the championship, click here. To learn more about Hytera US, click here