“Done a lot of homework”- Nicholas Gross becomes the youngest player to reach the U.S. Amateur quarterfinals since 2007
Andrew Walker
Updated on March 31, 2026
Nicholas Gross shaved before match play. He’s good until Friday. The 15-year-old high school student beat Luke Potter 4-and-3 on Thursday at Ridgewood Country Club to reach the US Amateur 2022 quarterfinals for the first time since 2007. He can dine with the larger kids.
Nicholas Gross, who attends Downingtown (Pennsylvania) West High School, says she gets anxious before every event because she wants to do well. “I’m not shaky, but I want to play well. I feel like I’m playing with house money because I’m a 15-year-old playing 20-, 25-, and 30-year-old top players. That’s freed me up, and I’ve played within myself in all my matches because I know I can compete with anyone,” said the youngster, who is posed to do very well in the future
Nicholas Gross’ future is looking bright
PGA Tour winner C.T. Pan became the youngest to win a Round of 16 champion since Bobby Jones in 1916. “To have my name next to theirs is really special,” Gross added. Rob Coyne, his caddy and high school coach, remarked, “He’s prepared so long. Since he was 10, he’s played in tournaments. He’s been battling older kids. Helpful! He’s calm and works hard on his game. So what? It’s amazing for a 15-year-old.”
Gross won four of the next five holes with two pars and two birdies after nine holes were tied. “We battled for 7–8 holes”, he said. “On the back nine, I hit decent shots but was off with my lines and missed few short-sided. I started hitting greens and putting pressure on. I think I placed him under enough pressure to accomplish something extraordinary. Obviously, it worked. I won four of six back-nine holes. It was amazing.”
“Not bad for a kid who came with no expectations and had to win a playoff. I’ve never seen him so down,” Coyne remarked. “Well, that’s golf.” Gross beat Chris Francoeur 3-and-2 before lunch on Thursday at Ridgewood. He credited Northeast golf. “I grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania, and it’s just like this. I’m happy here. How to see, play, and navigate the course. My caddy is local. He’s my coach. We always agree. Comfort has helped me here.”
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