Preview: The 97th Idaho Men’s Amateur presented by St. Luke’s

The 16th tee at Jug Mountain Ranch | Shane René

High in Idaho’s Payette River Mountains, the 97th playing of the state’s flagship amateur championship returns to Jug Mountain Ranch July 10-12 for 54 holes of stroke play at a venue known for both its beauty and intensity.

Spread across 1,410 acres below the sharp peak of Jughandle Mountain, Jug Mountain Ranch is more than just a scenic setting — it’s a test of focus, strategy, and execution. Elevation shifts, lush native areas and a punishing final stretch define the layout. But it’s the 17th hole that tends to separate leaders from those who fall behind. In 2023, that hole proved pivotal for eventual champion Trevor Garus, who overcame a first-round triple bogey there to win the title by one with a par-birdie finish. He returns to the field this year fresh off his freshman season with the UCLA Men’s Golf Team. 

Last year, Nate Smith captured the title with a dramatic finish at BanBury Golf Club. The Duke graduate and former Korn Ferry Tour winner stood on the final green tied with two college sophomores, eyeing a 25-foot eagle putt. He drained it, sealing a memorable win. Though he won’t be in the field this year, his absence opens the door for a fresh set of storylines in 2025.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Ashton McArthur finished as the runner-up in last year’s tournament, posting an impressive score of 202 (71-63-68). Now, the Utah Tech Men’s Golf Team standout is back with one goal in mind — to finish what he started and claim the trophy. Derek Lekkerkerk, who finished third playing alongside McArther and Smith in last year’s final pairing, will also take a swing at redemption. 

Carter Williams, who will join the Colorado Mesa’s Men’s Golf Team after a stint with McArthur at Utah Tech, seems to be gathering some form ahead of the Men’s Amateur. Williams recently made a strong run to the championship match as the 2025 Match Play and came just short of advancing through the U.S. Open local qualifying in May.

Another standout in the Men’s Amateur field is Cameron Kuchar — the son of PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar and a recent commit to the Texas Christian University golf team. Kuchar turned heads last month by shooting a 68 (-4) and making birdie on the first playoff hole to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur, showcasing a go-low potential and poise under pressure.

Josh Gliege will arrive at Jug Mountain as one of just two former champions (2021) and will look to improve on a quality 2024 performance that left him just outside the final pairing. Gliege is currently the assistant coach of San Diego State University’s Men’s Golf Team. 

From Boise State, Seth Jones will arrive at Jug Mountain as the most recent IGA champion after finishing on top of the heap at Scotch Pines Golf Course. His best finish in the event is a T-8 in 2022. He will be joined in the field by fellow Bronco Cole Rueck, who is coming off a stellar season that featured five top-5 finishes, including a win, in 2025 alone.

Another recent champion at Jug Mountain, though not in this event, is 2024 PNGA Mid-Amateur Champion Andrew Lawson. Lawson beat Jesse Hibler, the 2023 Idaho Mid-Amateur champion, in a playoff. Hilber will also be in the field this week after making a run into the semifinals at Match Play. 

Just a week after Lawson won at Jug Mountain, Darren Kuhn won the Idaho Senior Amateur title, defeating recent IGA Four-Ball Champion Brian Swenson in a two-hole playoff. Kuhn is coming off a thrilling victory at the Match Play just a couple weeks ago, and will look to continue his good form on a much longer set up at Jug Mountain, looking to contend with an utterly youthful crop of Idaho’s best. 

One of the most notable names in this year’s field is Scott Masingill — a true legend of Idaho golf and the namesake of the tournament’s trophy, the Masingill Cup. Masingill has won this championship an incredible nine times, with victories spanning across four decades (1972, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2001). In 2023, he entered the final round with three players and more than 50 years between himself and the lead.