Victory on Familiar Fairways: Kade Stewart wins the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US
Kade Stewart of Tomball captured the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US on Sunday, winning at his home course, Champions Golf Club, with a playoff victory.
The Champions member carded a final-round 3-under 68 to finish at 6-under 207 for the championship. He clinched the title with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
The final round was halted for 1 hour and 40 minutes due to heavy rain, but Stewart stayed composed through the delay.
“The rain started coming in today, and I was 2-under before play was stopped,” Stewart said. “When I got into the clubhouse, I realized I was actually leading. When we came back out, I just tried to stick to my game plan — hitting greens and making putts.”
That strategy paid off late. Stewart needed par on No. 18 to force a playoff with Kolton Crawford of Azle and Robert Gwin of Montgomery. He delivered under pressure, rolling in the par putt to extend the tournament.
On the playoff hole, Stewart split the fairway, setting up a chance to attack the green. Crawford’s approach finished near the back, and Gwin’s landed just short. Stewart then hit one of the day’s most memorable shots, sticking his approach inside two feet. The gallery erupted as he tapped in the birdie putt to secure the championship.
“Man, it was fun this week,” Stewart said. “This is my home course, and the Champions maintenance crew had it in great condition. We all weathered the rain really well, and all things considered, they were great hosts.”
With the victory, Stewart earns exemptions into the 43rd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US at Wichita Falls Country Club along with an exemption into the 117th Texas Amateur presented by Hytera US at Spanish Oaks Golf Club.
Crawford and Gwin tied for runner-up. Gwin also earned low Mid-Master recognition with his 6-under 207 finish as the highest finisher age 40 and older.
Champions member Justin Kaplan of Houston finished fourth at 5-under 208. Matthew Henson of Cypress and Nickolas Martinez of Cypress tied for sixth at 3-under 209.
Rounding out the top 10 at 2-under 211 were past Mid-Amateur champions Clay Hodge of Tyler and Chris Wheeler of Lewisville, along with Austin Jordan of Nemo and Logan Boatner of Humble.
The TGA would like to thank Champions Golf Club and its incredible staff, board of directors, and members for hosting the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US. We look forward to working with Champions Golf Club in the future to grow amateur golf.
Next on the Texas Golf Association’s schedule is the 88th Texas Senior Amateur at McAllen Country Club from October 3-5. To see the final results and read more on the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US, click here.