Iowa golfer Noah Kent advances to U.S. Amateur final

CHASKA, Minn. — Iowa sophomore golfer Noah Kent has reached the championship of the U.S. Amateur tournament after beating Jackson Buchanan, a junior from Illinois, 2-up in the semifinals Saturday at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

He faces Jose Luis Ballester of Spain on Sunday in the 36-hole championship. Golf Channel is showing it from 1 to 4 p.m.

“I don’t think I have to do anything special,” Kent told Golf Channel after his semifinal win. “Just continue to hit the golf ball the way I am, putt the way I am.”

Kent and Ballester are the last golfers standing from a field of 312. Kent finished stroke play in a tie for 32nd at 1-under after two rounds, Monday and Tuesday. He shot 77 and then 64 to qualify for match play.

Kent, in a Hawkeye shirt and hat, was followed by a big crowd of supporters Saturday, most in gold T-shirts.

“I have so many great people in my corner,” Kent said. “Every single time I hit a good shot, they let me know.”

Both finalists are assured of playing in the Masters and the U.S. Open at Oakmont next year. The winner also gets a spot in the British Open at Royal Portrush.