​Lucas Politano seized control of the 120th Vermont Amateur with a roaring finish to his second round and then pulled away to a dominant performance over the final 18 holes on Thursday, July 9, at Ekwanok Country Club. The former Otter Valley Union High School standout logged a tournament-low 5-under 65 in the final round to clinch his second Vermont Amateur title in three years, extending his lead to 12 shots as the field closed out at Ekwanok.
Two years after becoming the tournament’s youngest champion since 1999 by emerging from a four-way playoff, Politano delivered another masterclass. He buried six birdies, including four on the back nine, to coast to the state crown. Alex Leonard, who led after Day 1, finished third at 4-over par.
Walker Allen, who posted rounds of 69 and 68 during Thursday’s 36-hole finale, climbed into a tie for third with Austin Giroux at 5-over. Luke Russell, Garren Poirier and Evan Russell formed a three-way tie for fifth at 8-over. But the week belonged to Politano, a standout at Rutgers University. After an opening-round even-par 70 on July 7, Politano surged to the top of the leaderboard with a late burst, recording four birdies over the last six holes for a 66 in the second round. He followed with a 1-over 71 in the third round, maintaining a three-shot edge over Leonard as the field prepared for the final 18 holes.
In his championship round, Politano carded a 65 that featured six birdies, 11 pars and just one bogey at the 17th hole. His steady approach in the final round sealed the title for him, marking a remarkable finish and a memorable chapter in the Vermont Amateur’s storied history.
Final-round details and leaderboard snapshots from Thursday’s action at Ekwanok Country Club show Politano’s late surge and the high-level play across the course. His 65 gave him a 14-under total for the tournament if the scoring lines suggest a hypothetical pace, topping a field that included Alex Leonard, who finished at 4-over after a solid but insufficient push on Thursday. Walker Allen’s 68 in the final round helped him reach 5-over for the event, tying with Austin Giroux for third place. Luke Russell, Garren Poirier and Evan Russell each finished at 8-over, rounding out a tight top tier behind Politano.
The tournament’s Thursday through Sunday format saw Ekwanok’s par-70 course present a demanding test. Politano’s opening-round 70 kept him within striking distance, but his 66 in round two established the momentum needed to climb atop the standings. His third-round 71 briefly slowed the ascendance, yet the final-round 65 erased any remaining doubt and delivered a commanding championship performance.
Beyond Politano’s victory, the leaderboard reflected a deep field of competitors with solid performances across the four rounds. The event provided a showcase for Vermont-area talent, including returning finalists and promising newcomers, all contending for one of the state’s most prestigious amateur titles.
The win further strengthens Politano’s resume in amateur golf, adding a second Vermont Amateur title to his achievements at a young age. His performance at Ekwanok highlighted not only his cross-country talent but also his ability to close strong under pressure, a hallmark of championship-caliber players. As the 120th Vermont Amateur closed, Politano stood as the clear standout, his final-round 65 sealing a memorable victory that will be recalled by Vermont golf enthusiasts for years to come.