The Mizzou men’s golf program is set to be represented on the national stage this week with three Tigers competing at the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship, starting on Monday.
Rising seniors Brock Snyder and Veikka Viskari plus junior Trent Mierl are all set to battle for the U.S. Amateur title at Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia, making Mizzou one of the more represented schools in the nation and the most represented team in program history at the U.S. Amateur.
“Having three Tigers qualify for the U.S. Amateur next week is an exciting way for us to finish the summer break,” Mizzou head coach Glen Millican said. “The U.S. Amateur is the best amateur event in the world and having Mizzou represented so well is something all Tiger fans can be proud of.
“Next week is a great opportunity for each of these guys to compete in a national championship and we are looking forward to watching them. Having (former Tiger and 2026 graduate) Virgilio also in the field and it all going on while (incoming freshman) Antoni Hawkins competes in the R&A British Boys Amateur makes next week a great way for us to finish summer and head into the 2026-27 season!”
It marks the first time in 20 years the Tigers are sending multiple golfers to the U.S. Amateur – Mizzou last sent multiple golfers in 2006. John Kelly finished as runner-up that year with Peter Malnati also qualifying for the stroke play rounds. Mizzou is also one of just 26 schools in the nation to feature three current members of its roster at the 2026 championship.
“Having three Tigers representing Mizzou in the field this week at the U.S. Amateur really speaks volumes to the direction our program is headed,” Mierl said. “Success comes in many ways and I believe this is a product of the work we all put in each and every day.”
“I think having all three of us in the field speaks to the talent and direction of our program,” Viskari said. “At the same time, our focus has to remain on getting a little better every day. I believe success is a by-product of that daily commitment, and that’s the mindset and culture I hope to help lead as a senior this season.”
"Having three guys playing in the US Amateur is a great end to the summer for each of the guys and a nice start to a new upcoming season,” assistant coach Sean Carlon said. “Being able compete at the highest stage will be a huge opportunity and a great way to build momentum heading into the start of the season.”
Snyder is making his second career appearance at the U.S. Amateur, making his debut following his freshman season in 2024 at Hazeltine. Viskari and Mierl are both making their first appearances at the championship, but Viskari has also enjoyed success at the top level as he earned the bronze medal at the 2025 R&A Amateur Championship last June.
“It means a lot to qualify for my second U.S. Amateur and to be alongside my teammates makes it feel even more special,” Snyder said. “This gives me a huge boost going into the season being able to see my game at the highest stage. Having played in a U.S. Am before is a big advantage and knowing what to expect has helped me prepare a lot.
“I’ve been fortunate to play in almost all of the major amateur events around the world and qualifying for the U.S. Amateur was definitely one of my goals this summer,” Viskari said. “Merion is one of the most iconic venues in golf and there’s no bigger stage in amateur golf, so I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for the challenge.”
Making this year’s run even more special for the trio is the fact that all three are roommates entering the 2026-27 campaign. Viskari will also have Carlon as his caddie, while Snyder will have his sister, Britta – a two-time All-Big 12 selection at Baylor – serving as his caddie.
“It’s pretty special to be competing with two of my teammates this week,” Mierl said. “We are all roommates, so we spend every day together and push each other to get better each day. So, it really adds to the experience to be able to share it with them.”
“It’s really special to have two of my teammates (and roommates) Brock and Trent competing alongside me,” Viskari said. “We push each other every day, and being able to share this experience together makes it even more sweet. Having familiar faces around helps, and I know we’ll be able to feed off one another throughout the week.”
“This week I’ll have my sister, Britta, caddie for me who’s played in multiple USGA tournaments,” Snyder said. “Being with my family and my fellow teammates will for sure make it a special week!”
“I am very excited to be on the bag for Veikka this week,” Carlon said. “Being able to caddy for a player on amateur golf’s highest stage is a real honor!”
The action tees off on Monday morning with Mierl teeing off at 6:22 a.m. CT, Snyder at 7:39 a.m. CT and Viskari at 12:47 p.m. CT. The top 64 of the 312-player field after two rounds of stroke play advance to the championship rounds of match play with golfers needing to win six matches to claim the title on Sunday, August 16.