Just over three years removed from a record-setting performance to become a Drive, Chip and Putt National Champion, Mia Hammond again used a final putt to secure her spot in the history books. This time, the 17-year-old tapped in to win the Greater Toledo Classic and become the first amateur in five years (and eighth overall) to win on the Epson Tour.
“It hasn't set in yet, but it's unreal,” said Hammond after the win. “This week was a grind, I'll admit, especially today, coming down the stretch. I've never cried like that on a course before, and it's the most emotional I've felt in a very, very, very long time. First time I've ever cried happy tears, I'll say that. It’s so surreal.”
Hammond outlasted a field of more than 100 professionals to win by one stroke at a course – Highland Meadows Golf Club – less than a three-hour drive from her hometown of New Albany, Ohio. She competed in the professional event at the course – a former LPGA event – two years ago at 15 years old but remained the youngest player in the field at 17 this year.
“If you would have told me two years ago that I was going to win this event, I would have told you you were stupid and probably just walked away, to be honest,” said Hammond. “I've come a long way in those two years. I've matured a lot as a person. And it's just super special to be back in this place and somewhere that means so much to me.”
Prior to her breakthrough on the Epson Tour, Hammond garnered national attention in 2022 in winning the Girls 14-15 division at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Hammond and Arizona’s Ella Walsh each made both putts at the famous 18th green at Augusta National, a rare achievement in the history of the Finals. To break the tie, Hammond and Walsh had a dramatic “putt-off” which ended in Hammond sinking a putt again to become a National Champion.
“Honestly, it’s been so hard to take it all in because it is such an amazing experience itself,” said Hammond after her Drive, Chip and Putt win. “It’s always been a dream of mine to make it to Augusta, whether to watch the Masters or play in a tournament…I never thought I could actually be here. To be a champion here is so much more.”
