Stewart Hagestad Earns Low Amateur Honors at 2017 Masters

Stewart Hagestad makes history as 2017 Masters low amateur winner

Stewart Hagestad’s 2017 Masters came to a glorious conclusion Sunday night. Deservedly grabbing most of the headlines from Augusta National Sunday night was Sergio García. Pound-for-pound, amateur Stewart Hagestad’s run at this year’s Masters was as commendable.

A financial analyst in New York by day, the 25-year-old (26 on Monday) became the first US Mid-Amateur champion to make the cut at the Masters since they were first invited in 1989. He didn’t stop there, carding four rounds of 74 or better on a tough week for scoring to finish tied for 36th place and earn low amateur honors.

If not for the “(a)” accompanying his name on leaderboards a $51,810 check would be in his hands. A Sunday trip to Butler Cabin and a dream fulfilled are hard to put a price on.

Hagestad is quoted in Golfweek, describing how he felt when it was all over:

"It’s a dream come true. It’s something I’ve long thought about and to have it come to fruition is an absolute dream come true."

Hagestad finished ahead of the likes of Ernie Els, JB Holmes and Louis Oosthuizen on the weekend by staying steady throughout all four days.

The University of Southern California product kept his poise in blustery conditions in the first two rounds, carding a 74 and 73 to make the six-over-par cut by three.

He almost holed out for eagle on No. 18 Friday to head to the weekend in style.

Hagestad had fireworks remaining on Sunday where he tossed in five birdies, four coming between holes No. 8 and 14. They helped him separate from the only other amateur in the field, 20-year-old Australian Curtis Luck. Luck is turning pro beginning with the Valero Texas Open this month after his T46 finish at Augusta.

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Hagestad’s birdie binge was familiar to those who tracked his path to Augusta. With the use of his trusty broomstick putter he made five birdies in the final six holes against Scott Harvey in the Mid-Am match play final to erase a four down deficit.

Will the former up-and-coming junior who competed alongside friends Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth on the American Junior Golf Association circuit dip his toes into the professional waters?

He says no. Still, Hagestad envisions more successes in the amateur ranks instead. He’s looking forward to his Walker Cup prospects.

"Every event I play is an opportunity to prove myself against the best amateurs and the best professionals in the country, and if I can continue to resume build and to build my case, hopefully I’ll earn the opportunity to represent the United States."

No word yet on if “Stew’s Crew” will make the trek to Riviera for this summer’s US Amateur Championship.

Stewart Hagestad's #TheMasters "Stew's Crew" does not play. Walks in every day in t-shirts, goes to merch tent & picks outfit. Here's today. pic.twitter.com/1WePdhIu1c
— Mattie-Lou Chandler (@MattieLouC) April 8, 2017

Either way, he’s bound to have well-wishers in his corner from here on out following an unforgettable week in between the azaleas.

Next: Garcia Outlasts Rose to Win First Major

Amateur Leaderboard

T36. Stewart Hagestad — 74-73-74-73 (+6)

T46. Curtis Luck — 78-72-75-72 (+9)

MC. Brad Dalke — 78-75 (+9)

MC. Scott Gregory — 82-75 (+12)

MC. Toto Gana — 81-80 (+17)

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