Andrew Bailey Wins U.S. Mid-Amateur, Earns 2027 Open Berth
By Staff Writer
3 min read
Andrew Bailey, a 34-year-old sales manager for apparel brand Holderness & Bourne, won the 45th U.S. Mid-Amateur on Thursday, defeating Nate Smith 5 and 4 in the 36-hole final at Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. The win earns Bailey a spot in the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
How did Bailey close out the match?
Smith led 2 up through the first 16 holes of the final, played on Sand Valley's Lido course. Bailey then birdied eight of the match's last 16 holes to close out the win on the 32nd green. He credited a mid-round adjustment to advice from a friend who had reached the Mid-Am final in 2021, telling him to stop playing tight and "play loose and free." A fellow member at his home club, Canterbury Golf Club near Cleveland, offered similar encouragement between the morning and afternoon rounds, telling Bailey to trust his putting stroke rather than force it.
What does the win get Bailey?
As Mid-Am champion, Bailey is exempt into the next 10 U.S. Mid-Amateurs and the next two U.S. Amateurs. The title also comes with a likely invitation to next year's Masters and a confirmed spot in the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, his first appearance in that championship.
Eleven months ago he was selling merchandise at the U.S. Open. Next year he tees it up in one.
How did a former mini-tour pro end up here?
Bailey played collegiately at Cleveland State and tried the mini-tours as a professional before a 20-foot fall while rock climbing broke his wrist in 2015. After attempting a comeback, he gave up competitive golf for a health-care job and later moved into sales at Holderness & Bourne. The role took him to Sand Valley on work trips for years without time to play, and to this year's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he volunteered in the merchandise center rather than compete. Thursday's win was his 12th appearance in a USGA championship and his first title.
Smith, who lost despite the early lead, had little to fault in the loss. "He just played an exceptional round of golf this afternoon," Smith said afterward.
Frequently asked questions
What did Andrew Bailey win?
Bailey won the 45th U.S. Mid-Amateur, beating Nate Smith 5 and 4 in the 36-hole final at Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa, Wisconsin.
What does the U.S. Mid-Amateur title come with?
Exemptions into the next 10 U.S. Mid-Amateurs, the next two U.S. Amateurs, a likely Masters invitation, and a spot in the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Has Andrew Bailey played professional golf?
Yes. Bailey played on mini-tours after college before a 2015 rock-climbing injury broke his wrist and ended his professional career.
Where is the 2027 U.S. Open?
At Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, where Bailey will make his U.S. Open debut as the reigning Mid-Am champion.
Key takeaways
- Andrew Bailey beat Nate Smith 5 and 4 in the 36-hole final to win the 45th U.S. Mid-Amateur at Sand Valley Resort.
- Bailey trailed 2 up through 16 holes before birdieing eight of the final 16 to close out the match on the 32nd green.
- The win exempts Bailey into the next 10 U.S. Mid-Amateurs, two U.S. Amateurs, a likely 2027 Masters invite, and the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- Bailey, a former Cleveland State golfer, ended his pro career after a 2015 wrist injury from a 20-foot rock-climbing fall.
- andrew bailey
- nate smith
- us mid-amateur
- sand valley resort
- us open
- pebble beach
- holderness bourne
- cleveland state
- usga championships
