Lutherville, Md. — The Maryland State Golf Association will host the 104th Maryland Amateur Championship at The Elkridge Club in Baltimore, Md., from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8. One of the most historic titles in Maryland golf, the Amateur brings together a field of the state’s top male amateurs, each with a USGA Handicap Index of 7.1 or lower.
The stakes remain high as the winner will earn an exemption into the U.S. Amateur, to be held this August at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.
A Course to Watch
Competitors can expect a strong test at Elkridge, but low numbers are possible. On May 26, Bennett Espenshade, who will be competing this weekend, set the course record with a 62, showing just how obtainable the course can be for those in form.
Qualifying Rundown
A total of four qualifiers were held across the state—at Montgomery Country Club, Queenstown Harbor Golf Club, Eagle’s Nest Country Club, and Beaver Creek Country Club—to determine the final field. Here’s how they unfolded:
Beaver Creek Country Club (Par 72, 6,823 yards)
Local favorite Niklas Steiner of Beaver Creek shot a 1-under-par 71 to claim medalist honors. He was joined by 2002 Maryland Amateur Champion David Nocar, who advanced with a 2-over-par 74. 13 players earned qualifying spots at Beaver Creek C.C.
Eagle’s Nest Country Club (Par 71, 6,618 yards)
Rij Patel of Hayfields Country Club fired a 5-under-par 66 to top the board at Eagle’s Nest C.C. The 27-year-old made six birdies and only one bogey. Former Amateur Champion Michael Mulieri and 2009 Open Champion Matthew Bassler also advanced with rounds of 2-over-par 73. 23 players in total qualified at Eagle’s Nest C.C.
Montgomery Country Club (Par 72, 6,677 yards)
Rockville native Cabell Faulkner, 18, posted a bogey-free 5-under-par 67 to earn medalist honors. Close behind was Richie Steinwand, 34, who shot a 4-under-par 68 with six birdies. In total, 22 players at Montgomery C.C. qualified for the Amateur Championship.
Queenstown Harbor Golf Club (Par 72, 6,761 yards)
Despite soggy conditions, Timothy Luckett led the way with a 2-under-par 70, thanks to six birdies on the day. Matt Carpentier followed up with a 1-under-par 71, while Jack Hartman and Ryan McGarry also posted even-par rounds to secure their spots. 28 players in total earned entry into the Amateur field from Queenstown.
Past Champions Return
Several past champions are back in the field for 2025, including Kevin Grady (2023), Jake Griffin (2022), Billy Peel (2019, 2020), Michael Mulieri (2008), and David Nocar (2002). Also in the field are Chris Baloga, Lou Baker, Rij Patel, Jake Roth, and Brett Williams, all of whom have finished as runners-up in the Maryland Amateur.
What’s Next
The field of 129 players will begin with stroke play qualifying on Thursday, June 5. The low 32 scorers will advance to match play, which begins Friday, June 6, and runs through Sunday, June 8. With a mix of past champions, collegiate players, and first-time qualifiers, the 104th edition of the Maryland Amateur promises another exciting chapter in the state’s golf history, with a trip to the U.S. Amateur on the line.
Who will write their name into Maryland golf history next?
MSGA Mission
To serve, grow, and advance the game of golf in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
