Hampton Beebe Claims Victory at Florida's 109th Amateur Championship

In an impressive display of skill, Hampton Beebe from West Palm Beach secured the title at the 109th Florida Amateur Championship on June 14, just days after supporting a friend at a major golf qualifying event. Beebe's victory at The Dye Preserve and The Club at Admiral's Cove in Jupiter has earned him a coveted spot in the upcoming 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, scheduled for August 10-16.

Just six days prior, Beebe was caddying for Giuseppe Puebla of Royal Palm Beach during a grueling 36-hole qualifier known as “Golf’s Longest Day” at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. Puebla's strong performance allowed him to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, set to take place from June 18-21. During post-qualifying interviews, Puebla acknowledged Beebe's valuable support throughout the challenging day.

Transitioning quickly from caddy to competitor, Beebe, who is an Auburn University signee and the reigning FHSAA state champion from Dwyer High School, showcased exceptional consistency. He finished the tournament at 6-under par, the only player to maintain par or better across all four rounds. After starting with a remarkable 3-under 68 at Admiral’s Cove, he sustained his lead with steady play at The Dye Preserve, ultimately outpacing a competitive field as others struggled on the final day.

The Florida Amateur Championship, established in 1915, is the oldest ongoing sporting event in the state, with past champions including the 1976 U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate. This year's edition saw several golfers from Palm Beach County excel, including Boca Raton's Alex Heard, who tied for 11th at 2-over, and West Palm Beach's Tyler Bruneau, who finished tied for eighth at 1-under. Other notable performances included North Palm Beach's Wylie Inman, who tied for 15th at 3-over, and Jupiter's Clint Lewis, who tied for 26th at 6-over.

With Beebe’s recent triumph, the local golf community looks forward to his future endeavors on the national stage.