The match play final between 18-year-old Nguyen and 17-year-old Coleman concluded on the morning of 27/7 (Hanoi time).

According to the US Junior Amateur rules, the final match is played over 36 holes, ending when the number of holes up exceeds the number of holes remaining. If there's a tie, the golfers proceed to sudden death.

Nguyen competing at the 2025 US Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas, USA. Photo: Quoc Huy

Nguyen competing at the 2025 US Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas, USA. Photo: Quoc Huy

Nguyen had a difficult start, consistently trailing behind. The gap widened to 5 up by the 12th hole. He then persevered, preventing Coleman from further extending his lead. On the 29th and 30th holes, Nguyen scored consecutive birdies, reducing Coleman's advantage to 1 up.

This difference remained for the next four holes. On the 35th hole, a par-3 stretching only 99 yards, Nguyen made par while Coleman sank a 3-meter putt for a birdie. This secured the victory for the American golfer, putting him 2 up with just one hole left.

The result brought some disappointment for Nguyen and the Vietnamese golf community. However, he can still be proud of becoming the first Vietnamese representative to reach the final in the history of the US Junior Amateur and any tournament hosted by the US Golf Association.

"Vietnamese golf is developing rapidly. I hope this result will inspire competition, especially for my peers and the next generation," Nguyen stated before the final match against Coleman.

Last year, Nguyen also participated in the US Junior Amateur but was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Returning to the tournament this year, he didn't have his regular caddie until the practice round. He was then assisted by Vietnamese-American golfer An Shelmire, who previously competed at the Division III semi-professional level for Washington & Lee University.

Next month, Nguyen will begin his freshman year at Oregon State University.

Considered a junior major, the US Junior Amateur typically attracts at least 3,500 golfers in the qualifying round, with over 260 golfers from dozens of countries and territories competing in the later stages. The main event begins with two rounds of stroke play to determine the 64 players who advance to the match play stage, where the champion is ultimately crowned.

Inaugurated in 1948, the tournament has produced many champions who went on to become stars on the PGA Tour or major winners, such as Tiger Woods, David Duval, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler (currently ranked number one in the world), and Brian Harman.