san antonio tx, August 25, 2025
News Summary
John Kemp of England achieved back-to-back medalist honors at the U.S. Senior Amateur, finishing stroke play at 7-under 135 at Oak Hills Country Club. With rounds of 67 and 68, Kemp became the first player since 2008-09 to repeat as medalist, narrowly missing the championship’s all-time scoring record. Jon Brown of Iowa finished in second place at 5-under 137, while a three-way tie for third saw competitors finishing at 3-under 139. The tournament featured 2,612 entries and will continue with match play rounds to determine the champion.
San Antonio — John Kemp of England secured back-to-back medalist honors at the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur, finishing stroke play at 7-under 135 at Oak Hills Country Club. Kemp carded a 67 on Saturday and a 68 on Sunday to become the first player to repeat as medalist since 2008-09, finishing one stroke shy of the championship’s all-time scoring record.
Top-line results and immediate implications
The 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur stroke play produced a tight leaderboard. Kemp led the field at 7-under 135. Jon Brown of Iowa made the biggest single-day move with a 66 on Sunday to finish 5-under 137 in solo second. A three-way tie for third place finished at 3-under 139 with Greg Sanders (69 on Sunday), Mike Finster (steady play after an opening surge), and Texas native Terrence Miskell (66).
Only eight players finished under par in the stroke-play portion. Other names inside or near the top included Jack Larkin Sr., Jack O’Keefe, and Steve Mann (each at 140), and 2019 champion Bob Royak at 141. The cut for match play was set at 7-over 149. That cut triggered a Monday morning playoff to finalize the Round of 64 bracket, with a 12-for-5 playoff to determine the remaining spots. Match play will run through an 18-hole final on Thursday.
How Kemp secured medalist honors
Kemp’s weekend combined tactical course management with steady scoring. He recorded a bogey-free front nine during the opening round and accumulated five birdies across his two rounds, a disciplined approach that limited mistakes and built momentum. His 135 total left him one shot short of the all-time championship scoring mark.
Notable performances and field composition
Jon Brown’s Sunday 66 was the single lowest round of the weekend and the key factor in his solo second finish. Mike Finster’s strong opening round kept him in contention through consistent putting. Terrence Miskell provided strong local representation with a 66 on Sunday that propelled him into the tie for third.
The championship field reflected broad interest and experience: 2,612 entries were received for the event, and the field included 36 fully exempt players, representing a deep pool of senior-major experience. Six competitors opted to walk the course in the Texas heat, including 1996 U.S. Amateur Public Links champion Tim Hogarth.
Course, conditions and scheduling context
The tournament was held August 23–28, 2025, at Oak Hills Country Club after the event was relocated from its original site at Biltmore Forest in Asheville, North Carolina, due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Oak Hills is a compact A.W. Tillinghast design noted for demanding strategic decision-making and precise shotmaking, which shaped how players attacked the course over the week.
During stroke play the par-5 10th hole was the only hole to play under par on average, with a scoring average of 4.96. Texas summer conditions produced heat and firm playing surfaces that emphasized accuracy and course management over pure distance.
Event opening and local elements
Local member Thomas Immenschuh had the honor of hitting the opening tee shot. The championship’s return to Texas made 2025 the state’s third time hosting the Senior Amateur. A knowledgeable crowd followed play with an emphasis on precision golf in challenging conditions.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Oak Hills Country Club, San Antonio, Texas |
| Dates | August 23–28, 2025 |
| Medalist | John Kemp (England), 7-under 135 |
| Second place | Jon Brown (Iowa), 5-under 137 |
| Cut for match play | 7-over 149 (12-for-5 playoff) |
| Total entries | 2,612 |
| Fully exempt players | 36 |
Timeline
| Date | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 23–24, 2025 | Stroke play rounds (Saturday and Sunday) | Completed — medalist decided |
| Aug 25, 2025 (Monday) | Playoff to finalize Round of 64 (12-for-5) | Completed — match play field set |
| Aug 26–28, 2025 | Match play through 18-hole final | Scheduled — final on Thursday |
Statistics and visual summary
FAQ
Where was the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur held?
The championship was held at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas.
When did the tournament take place?
The event ran from August 23–28, 2025.
Who won medalist honors in stroke play?
John Kemp of England won medalist honors, finishing 7-under 135.
Who finished second and third?
Jon Brown of Iowa finished solo second at 5-under 137. Greg Sanders, Mike Finster, and Terrence Miskell tied for third at 3-under 139.
What was the cut for match play?
The cut was set at 7-over 149, which resulted in a 12-for-5 playoff to finalize the Round of 64.
Why was the championship moved to Oak Hills?
The championship was relocated from Biltmore Forest in Asheville, North Carolina, due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
How many entries did the event receive?
The championship drew 2,612 entries and included 36 fully exempt players.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AmateurGolf.com
- Wikipedia: U.S. Senior Amateur
- Golfweek – USA Today
- Google Search: U.S. Senior Amateur 2025
- AmateurGolf.com
- Google Scholar: John Kemp golf
- Maui Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Kemp golf
- AmateurGolf.com
- Google News: U.S. Senior Amateur 2025
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