Baez Collects Another Runner-up Finish at Hoosier Amateur
08/11/2025 | Men's Golf
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Rising sophomore Carson Baez placed second at last week's Hoosier Amateur at Indiana University's Pfau Course, shooting 4-under par (209) over 54 holes. Baez has now finished second in three of his last four tournaments, a stretch that dates back to May's National Golf Invitational, the final event of Richmond's 2024-25 season.
Baez opened with a 4-under 67 in Tuesday's first round and followed it with a 3-under 68 Wednesday to take a two-shot lead into the final 18 holes. He closed with a 3-over 74, finishing three shots behind champion Jack Crousore from the University of Minnesota in the field of 102 individuals.
"This week was a lot of fun and a great challenge," said Baez. "Holding a two-shot lead going into round three was, in my mind, no surprise, but having to sleep on it had me a bit restless considering how long it's been since I've held a lead. I just wanted to stay in my own lane and execute my game plan the last day. Unfortunately, things weren't going my way the last round and I just wasn't executing as well as the days prior."
Baez said the Pfau course "lived up to the expectations," noting that friends had described the layout to him as "one of the hardest courses they've ever played." The course presented new challenges to Baez, a native of Windermere, Fla.
"My game all week long continued to be in the same strong shape it has been. I also felt like it was evolving considering the environment change to thick rye grass rough and bent greens, which was unusual to me. Being able to adjust quickly to it and have success doing so was a good sign to me knowing adapting to different environments is crucial," he said.
In addition to his second-place finish at the National Golf Invitational, Baez also placed runner-up at the Southeastern Amateur in June.
"If I knew before the NGI my summer would include 3 runner-up finishes, I'd be extremely happy with myself. Win or loss, it's another learning experience to get better," said Baez. "I am very proud of myself for what I've done so far, and cannot wait for what success is coming in not only my future, but for the Spiders this upcoming season."
Baez opened with a 4-under 67 in Tuesday's first round and followed it with a 3-under 68 Wednesday to take a two-shot lead into the final 18 holes. He closed with a 3-over 74, finishing three shots behind champion Jack Crousore from the University of Minnesota in the field of 102 individuals.
"This week was a lot of fun and a great challenge," said Baez. "Holding a two-shot lead going into round three was, in my mind, no surprise, but having to sleep on it had me a bit restless considering how long it's been since I've held a lead. I just wanted to stay in my own lane and execute my game plan the last day. Unfortunately, things weren't going my way the last round and I just wasn't executing as well as the days prior."
Baez said the Pfau course "lived up to the expectations," noting that friends had described the layout to him as "one of the hardest courses they've ever played." The course presented new challenges to Baez, a native of Windermere, Fla.
"My game all week long continued to be in the same strong shape it has been. I also felt like it was evolving considering the environment change to thick rye grass rough and bent greens, which was unusual to me. Being able to adjust quickly to it and have success doing so was a good sign to me knowing adapting to different environments is crucial," he said.
In addition to his second-place finish at the National Golf Invitational, Baez also placed runner-up at the Southeastern Amateur in June.
"If I knew before the NGI my summer would include 3 runner-up finishes, I'd be extremely happy with myself. Win or loss, it's another learning experience to get better," said Baez. "I am very proud of myself for what I've done so far, and cannot wait for what success is coming in not only my future, but for the Spiders this upcoming season."
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