Round 1 Recap: 2025 Trans-Mississippi Amateur

Lance Simpson set the early pace at the Pfau Course at Indiana University with a 7-under 64 to lead after Round 1 of the 121st Trans-Mississippi Amateur Championship.

Simpson, from Tennessee, delivered a clinical ball-striking performance on Tuesday, carding eight birdies against just one bogey. His round featured a sizzling back nine of 31, showcasing precision approaches and confident putting on The Pfau’s demanding green complexes.

Hot on his heels are JP Odland and Connor Doyal, both signing for strong 6-under 65s to sit just one shot back. The leaderboard is tightly packed, with players capitalizing on the course’s scoring holes while avoiding its tough bunkers and elevation changes.

Isaiah Ibit (Canada) and Daniel Zou share fourth at 5-under (66), while a trio—including Zhengda Li, Dain Richie, and Ben Gregg—are just three shots back after opening rounds of 67.

The field will be aiming to hold position in Wednesday’s Round 2 to make the cut to low 54 and ties.

Top of the Leaderboard (After Round 1)

🔗 View Full Live Scoring and Pairings

The 121st Trans-Mississippi Amateur returns this summer, offering another highly anticipated chapter in one of America’s oldest amateur golf traditions. From July 7–11, 2025, the championship heads to The Pfau Course at Indiana University, a modern collegiate design known for demanding shot-making and strategic play.

Historic Event Meets Modern Venue

First played in 1901, the Trans-Mississippi Amateur has crowned champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, and Collin Morikawa. Now part of the Elite Amateur Golf Series, it sits at the heart of the summer schedule for college stars, mid-ams, and international talent.

This year's venue, The Pfau Course, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most challenging and visually striking university layouts in the country. Its bold bunkering, elevation changes, and demanding green complexes will test all facets of the amateur game.

Key Storylines to Watch

Format and Field Size

The championship will feature 144 players competing over 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut to the low 54 and ties after 36 holes. Entries are open to male amateurs with a USGA handicap index of 2.0 or less.

Key Dates

• Practice Round & Registration: Monday, July 7
• Rounds 1 & 2: July 8–9 (Cut after Round 2)
• Rounds 3 & 4: July 10–11

Venue Preview: The Pfau Course at Indiana University

Designed by Steve Smyers and Fuzzy Zoeller, The Pfau Course is a modern championship layout that can stretch beyond 7,700 yards. Expect precision off the tee, challenging green complexes, and strategic bunkering to dictate scoring.

Players will need to manage elevated greens, punishing rough, and rolling terrain. The course rewards thoughtful play—making it an ideal test for an Elite Amateur field.

“This is a championship course in every sense—players will have to think their way around, shape shots, and handle pressure coming in.”

Players to Watch

The official field includes a deep lineup of collegiate stars, mid-am stalwarts, and international competitors. Names to watch include:

• Top finishers from last year's playoff thriller, including Drew Goodman (if returning)
• Elite Amateur Golf Series standouts chasing points
• International amateurs eager to impress on U.S. soil

Insights and Predictions

Don’t be surprised if scoring hovers around even par for those making the cut. Players who excel in approach play and short game creativity will have the best chance at contending.

Mid-ams with tournament experience may have an advantage in patience and strategy, while top college players bring distance and aggressive shot-making to the mix—setting up a compelling contrast of styles.