In what has been a remarkable run at the 2024 U.S. Amateur, University of Iowa sophomore Noah Kent has powered into the final against Jose Luis Ballester of Spain. But getting to this point has been far from simple for the talented young golfer from Naples, Florida.

Just a year ago, Kent suffered a freak wrist injury while riding an ATV that forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Junior Amateur qualification, despite having earned his spot in the field. The subsequent 11-week layoff from the game could have easily derailed his progress. However, through determination and guidance from mentors like 1993 U.S. Amateur champion John Harris, Kent was able to use it as fuel to reinvigorate his passion and focus.

“It's all up here in my heart,” Kent said. “I have way more competitiveness. I feel like I have a lot more belief in myself, and I have a lot more drive to want to get where I want to go. So, I just feel like I want it a lot more than I used to.”

Noah Kent at th U.S. Amateur (USGA/Chris Keane)

That revitalized hunger was on full display this week at Hazeltine National, as Kent grinded through six tough matchups to reach Sunday's 36-hole final showdown. Even after a rough opening round of 77, he showed grit to battle back and make the match play cutoff. Then in the pressure-packed single elimination format, where the biggest moments have brought out his best golf. “I love whenever the pressure gets really high, and I've been feeling it the whole week,” he said.

Noah Kent was born with a competitive spirit, though for many years this passion was directed elsewhere rather than golf. Having grown up in a family immersed in the game through his father and stepfather, who is a golf course architect, Kent was exposed to golf from a young age but it remained more of a side interest as he focused on sports like hockey.

It wasn't until he met Rory McIlroy at the 2017 U.S. Open that something clicked for Kent and he felt golf could be his sport. After that chance encounter, he committed himself to the game fully upon returning home. “I didn't really love golf, but I met Rory at the U.S. Open in 2017, and that kind of switched my whole view of golf,” he said.

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As his skills developed, Kent found strong mentors through the club where his family maintained membership, Calusa Pines. 

Most influential was 1993 U.S. Amateur champion John Harris, also a Minnesota native, who helped Kent's game but more importantly instilled the self-belief that has served him so well in pressured situations. Meeting star pros and having the guidance of accomplished amateurs has certainly played a role in Kent's rise on the big stage.

Along the way, Kent has received support from a close-knit group including family, friends, and Hawkeye fans making the drive from Iowa to cheer him on. But perhaps none have had a bigger influence than mentor and fellow Florida native John Harris, to whom Kent has dedicated his play in honor of the longtime advocate of the game who is facing health issues back home.

“You're as good as anybody in the field,” Kent said of Harris’ message to him. “Now everybody can compete, but it's, like, you belong, and you're better than every single one of them here. It's just having the self-confidence in yourself.”

With his mentor John Harris battling health issues back home, Kent has looked to honor the man who helped foster his self-belief over the years. He's had Harris' initials written on his glove this week as a tribute.

It's clear that tribute has resonated, as Kent is enjoying a breakout stretch since suffering his wrist injury last year. He cited that forced time off as the catalyst for a renewed passion and competitiveness within. That dedication was evidenced by his Jones Cup victory in January followed by a collegiate title, showing the injury lit a fire under the rising star.

Kent brought that intensity with him to Hazeltine this week. Helping him channel it has been a loyal band of supporters making the trip from Iowa, including three uncles decked out in Hawkeyes gear. Their boisterous presence showed while I was reporting on-course Saturday that while just over the border, Kent surely had a home crowd advantage. It's fueling his competitive fire as he takes aim at the coveted U.S. Amateur title.

Standing in the way of Noah Kent and the U.S. Amateur title is Spain's Jose Luis Ballester, who has a monumental task ahead if he wants to become his country's first champion. The three-time All-American from Arizona State reached the final in style, treating fans to four flawless birdies in his semi-final win over friend and countryman Luis Masaveu. In securing his spot, Ballester made history as the first Spanish player ever to reach the final match of this prestigious championship.

Adding to the excitement for Ballester is that he'll get to celebrate his 21st birthday while competing for the Havemeyer Trophy. However, taking on the intense crowd support sure to rally behind Iowa's Kent will be a daunting challenge. After his victory, the normally reserved Ballester admitted he'd yet to fully process what he'd achieved in reaching the final. Tomorrow provides the perfect opportunity to savor that feeling while striving for an even bigger prize. As the talent and poise he's shown suggests, if anyone is poised for a birthday to remember, it's the World No. 10 from Marbella.

“I think I'm still not conscious of what just happened today,” Ballester said. “It's an unbelievable feeling. I'm super grateful for the opportunity I'm going to have tomorrow to compete in the final of the U. S. Amateur Championship.”

Ballester came into the weekend rounds as the top-ranked player left marching towards the finals. On Saturday, that lofty status was reflected in an impressive display of ball-striking against close friend Masaveu. Ballester credited the comfort of playing alongside a compatriot with allowing him to relax and execute at the highest level. With a rhythm that started on the first tee, he piled up birdies in commanding fashion.

After his victory, Ballester's phone rang with congratulations from notable mentor Sergio Garcia. The Spaniards have trained together for years under Garcia's father Victor, and it was clear how much Garcia's long-time support meant. Ballester glowed with the fact that legends of the game are invested in his success.

Looking ahead to his massive opportunity in the final, the soon-to-be 21-year-old graciously called this special week "probably the best" of his life so far. But one suspects that distinction may be surpassed if he's able to etch his name into history by lifting the Havemeyer Trophy tomorrow in front of friends and fans worldwide.

After overcoming injury and doubts, Kent will now take on his greatest test morning at 7:15 a.m. CT, with the U.S. Open exemption and possible Masters invitation on the line. In front of what is sure to be a raucous crowd, we'll find out if the upstart Hawkeye has one more magical performance in him.

References: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/usamateur2024-final-noah-kent-ballester-spain-hazeltine