The 2026 Northwest Amateur concluded with a record-tying performance as Joe Honsa (above) of Mendota Heights, Minnesota captured the championship in dominant fashion. Honsa fired rounds of 63-66-67-70 to finish at 22-under-par 266, matching the tournament scoring record established by 2022 champion J.D. Anderson. His nine-stroke victory highlighted one of the finest performances in the event’s history. Honsa will begin his sophomore season this fall as a member of the University of Minnesota men’s golf team, and the Northwest Amateur is proud to add his name to its distinguished list of champions.

Finishing in a tie for second at 13-under-par 275 were Miles Bollinger of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Axton Miller of Arthur, Iowa, each posting outstanding four-round performances. Mick Herron of Excelsior, Minnesota claimed fourth at 12-under 276, while Ben Appelhof of Blaine, Minnesota rounded out the top five at 11-under 277.

The championship field showcased exceptional depth throughout the week. Simply qualifying for the Championship Flight—comprised of the tournament’s top 27 players—was a significant accomplishment, and scoring conditions reflected the high level of play, with all 20 golfers who finished in the top 20 ending the 72-hole championship under par.

The Championship Flight Top 20 finishers were:

1. Joe Honsa – Mendota Heights, MN (266)
2. Miles Bollinger – Woodbury, MN (275)
3. Axton Miller – Arthur, IA (275)
4. Mick Herron – Excelsior, MN (276)
5. Ben Appelhof – Blaine, MN (277)
6. Jack Mulligan – Clarendon Hills, IL (278)
7. Ben Hicks – Victoria, MN (279)
8. Dennis Bull – Norwalk, IA (279)
9. Jon Brown – Adel, IA (281)
10. Jackson Laven – Okoboji, IA (282)
11. Eddie Doyle – Fort Dodge, IA (282)
12. Drew Spooner – Cherokee, IA (283)
13. Carter Madison – Adel, IA (283)
14. Michael Clark – Spencer, IA (283)
15. Shane Barnes – Minnetrista, MN (283)
16. Jack Winkel – Ankeny, IA (284)
17. Judd Jirovsky – Grundy Center, IA (285)
18. James Preston – Lakeland, FL (285)
19. Joe Hunter – Altoona, IA (286)
20. Evan Smith – Knoxville, IA (287)

Congratulations also go to the winners of each flight:

• 1st Flight: Dominick Haskins (St. Paul, MN) – 211
• 2nd Flight: Patrick Herron (Deephaven, MN) – 215
• 3rd Flight: Cole Grandfield (Elkhorn, NE) – 215
• 4th Flight: Colin Mitchell (Dakota Dunes, SD) – 225 (won tiebreaker)
• 5th Flight: Jordan Oltman (Harrisburg, SD) – 224
• 6th Flight: AJ Stanley (Spencer, IA) – 227

Senior Division champions were also recognized:

• Senior I (Ages 50–59): Jon Brown (Adel, IA) – 141 (won tiebreaker)
• Senior II (Age 60+): Curtis Holck (Ankeny, IA) – 146

The Northwest Amateur extends its sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make another outstanding championship possible. We appreciate everyone who made the trip to Spencer and look forward to welcoming players back for the 2027 Northwest Amateur, July 29–August 1, as another chapter is written in the tournament’s storied history.

Complete Results