Scottsdale, Arizona, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Former Marshall Men’s Golf standout Christian Brand showcased remarkable skill and determination at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship held in Scottsdale, Arizona. After defeating several formidable opponents, Brand reached the quarterfinals before facing defending champion Evan Beck. Despite a valiant effort, Brand was ultimately defeated. His journey, including a dramatic comeback in the Round of 16, highlights the growing talent within the Marshall golf program. Noah Mullens, the volunteer golf coach, also participated, though he was eliminated in the first round of Match Play.
Scottsdale, Arizona — Marshall’s Christian Brand Makes a Deep Run at the U.S. Mid-Amateur
Shockwaves at Troon Country Club
This week’s action at Troon Country Club served up drama, grit, and a reminder that college programs can breed serious amateur firepower. Former Marshall Men’s Golf standout Christian Brand advanced to the Quarterfinals of Match Play at the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur. The championship took place at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Match Play roller coaster
Brand’s path through Match Play had momentum and tension. Brand achieved a win in 19 holes over Marc Dull on Tuesday evening, qualifying him for Wednesday’s quarterfinals. That extra-hole victory pushed Brand into the late-stage spotlight, but the quarterfinals paired him with a formidable foe. He was defeated by defending U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Evan Beck of Virginia, losing 3 and 2. Even in defeat Brand showed fight — Brand made an attempt to rally with a birdie at the par-3 15th hole, but Beck matched his birdie.
How Brand got there
The numbers tell the story of a player clicking at the right time. After his loss, Brand had a total of three Match Play victories prior to facing Beck. He entered the event with expectations but not full favoritism — Brand was ranked 26th in Match Play before the competition began. He upset higher seeds along the way, including a solid win over a top opponent: He defeated Nahum Mendoza, ranked No. 7, with a score of 2 & 1 to reach the Round of 16.
Come-from-behind grit
One of the tournament’s standout moments was Brand’s comeback in the Round of 16. In the Round of 16, Brand came back from trailing by two holes at the turn, ultimately winning with a birdie on the first playoff hole. Earlier, he secured his spot in Match Play with steady stroke-play golf: Brand shot 1-over in Stroke Play to qualify for Match Play and defeated Preston Dembowiak 4 & 3 in the first Match Play round.
Noah Mullens also in the mix
It wasn’t just Brand flying the Marshall flag. Noah Mullens, Marshall’s volunteer golf coach and former player, also advanced to Match Play. Mullens showed he still had competitive chops in Scottsdale, though the weekend did not go his way. Mullens shot an Even par 71 in his stroke play round but ended with a +3 in his second round. Once in Match Play, Mullens ran into a tough opponent: In Match Play, Mullens faced Louisville’s Matt Liston, losing 2 & 1 after Liston made a birdie on the par-4 14th hole.
Marshall takes pride
From team leadership to the sidelines, the program felt the buzz. Marshall Men’s Golf coach Matt Grobe praised both Brand and Mullens for representing Marshall effectively. The staff took note of the performances and embraced the bigger-picture lift. Grobe expressed his pride in their performances despite the results. More than a single week, Brand’s run served as proof of concept: Brand’s progress in the tournament highlighted the talent of Marshall players in prestigious competitions.
Stay connected
The Marshall team is asking fans to keep up with results and show support. The Marshall Men’s Golf team actively encourages support and engagement through their social media channels. For followers who like brackets, drama, and underdog energy, this event delivered.
Quick takeaways for golf fans
- Christian Brand showed composure in tight matches and had three Match Play wins before facing the champion.
- Noah Mullens proved he can still contend in competitive fields, advancing to Match Play after solid stroke-play rounds.
- Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona offered the kind of course that separates steady scorers from the ones who choke under pressure.
FAQ
Who advanced to the Quarterfinals of Match Play?
Former Marshall Men’s Golf standout Christian Brand advanced to the Quarterfinals of Match Play at the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Where did the championship take place?
The championship took place at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How did Brand qualify for the quarterfinals?
Brand achieved a win in 19 holes over Marc Dull on Tuesday evening, qualifying him for Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
What happened in the quarterfinal match?
He was defeated by defending U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Evan Beck of Virginia, losing 3 and 2.
Did Brand try to rally during the quarterfinals?
Brand made an attempt to rally with a birdie at the par-3 15th hole, but Beck matched his birdie.
How many Match Play wins did Brand have before facing Beck?
After his loss, Brand had a total of three Match Play victories prior to facing Beck.
What was Brand’s Match Play ranking entering the event?
Brand was ranked 26th in Match Play before the competition began.
Who did Brand defeat to reach the Round of 16?
He defeated Nahum Mendoza, ranked No. 7, with a score of 2 & 1 to reach the Round of 16.
How did Brand win the Round of 16 match?
In the Round of 16, Brand came back from trailing by two holes at the turn, ultimately winning with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
What were Brand’s Stroke Play results?
Brand shot 1-over in Stroke Play to qualify for Match Play and defeated Preston Dembowiak 4 & 3 in the first Match Play round.
Did Noah Mullens advance to Match Play?
Noah Mullens, Marshall’s volunteer golf coach and former player, also advanced to Match Play.
What were Mullens’ stroke play scores?
Mullens shot an Even par 71 in his stroke play round but ended with a +3 in his second round.
How did Mullens fare in Match Play?
In Match Play, Mullens faced Louisville’s Matt Liston, losing 2 & 1 after Liston made a birdie on the par-4 14th hole.
How did Marshall’s coach react?
Marshall Men’s Golf coach Matt Grobe praised both Brand and Mullens for representing Marshall effectively.
Did the coach express any final thoughts?
Grobe expressed his pride in their performances despite the results.
What did Brand’s run mean for the program?
Brand’s progress in the tournament highlighted the talent of Marshall players in prestigious competitions.
How can fans follow the team?
The Marshall Men’s Golf team actively encourages support and engagement through their social media channels.
Match Summary Table
| Player | Round / Opponent | Result | Score / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Brand | First Match Play vs Preston Dembowiak | Win | Defeated Preston Dembowiak 4 & 3 |
| Christian Brand | Round of 32 vs Nahum Mendoza | Win | Defeated Nahum Mendoza, ranked No. 7, with a score of 2 & 1 |
| Christian Brand | Round of 16 vs Marc Dull | Win | Achieved a win in 19 holes over Marc Dull |
| Christian Brand | Quarterfinals vs Evan Beck | Loss | Defeated by Evan Beck of Virginia, losing 3 and 2; attempted rally with birdie at par-3 15th but Beck matched |
| Noah Mullens | Stroke Play | Advanced to Match Play | Shot an Even par 71 in his stroke play round but ended with a +3 in his second round |
| Noah Mullens | Match Play vs Matt Liston | Loss | Lost 2 & 1 after Liston made a birdie on the par-4 14th hole |
End of roundup — clear eyes, full hearts, and plenty of drama left in the season for Marshall fans to follow.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- HerdZone: Christian Brand Makes Quarterfinals of U.S. Mid-Amateur
- Global Golf Post: Ian Davis is Latest 63 Seed to Succeed in USGA Play
- Sports Illustrated: Player Loses U.S. Mid-Amateur Match After Caddie’s Cart Ride
- Wikipedia: United States Mid-Amateur
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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