Barnes Blake of Baltusrol Golf Club captured the 2025 New Jersey Amateur Championship in dramatic fashion at the prestigious Essex County Country Club, carving out a defining moment in Garden State golf. Entering the final day six shots back, the Westfield native surged up the leaderboard with back-to-back rounds of 68 and 67 - featuring a pivotal eagle on the short par-4 14th in the final round. After forcing a three-hole playoff with Troy Vannucci, Blake sealed the win with poise, claiming the Edwin M. Wild Trophy and punching his ticket to the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. With his younger brother Henry on the bag, the 20-year-old Georgetown standout showcased elite shot-making and competitive fire when it mattered most.
Blake’s rise - from top-five finishes at the BIG EAST Championship and MGA’s Ike to this clutch victory at Essex County - signals the emergence of one of New Jersey’s top amateur talents. Tune in to The DROP Podcast as we break down the final-round fireworks, explore Blake’s path to national competition, and celebrate the grit, family support, and homegrown skill that power the Garden State golf scene.
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