New Jersey has long been a breeding ground for talented amateur golfers, producing players who excel at both the state and national levels. From rising junior stars to seasoned veterans, the Garden State boasts a remarkable depth of skill and competitive spirit. This list highlights the top 10 amateur golfers from New Jersey, showcasing their achievements, resilience, and potential.
From Barnes Blake’s dramatic New Jersey Amateur victory to the emerging talent of Ridhit Beri, these athletes represent the best the state has to offer, combining collegiate, junior, mid-amateur, and senior successes into a diverse portrait of excellence.
1. Barnes Blake: From Westfield to State Champion
Barnes Blake became one of New Jersey’s most talked-about amateurs after his unforgettable run at the 124th New Jersey Amateur Championship in July 2025. Starting the final round six shots behind at Essex County Country Club, he produced a patient and aggressive charge that forced a playoff, which he then won.
That title earned him a spot in the 2025 U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club. A junior at Georgetown, Blake later collected BIG EAST Male Golfer of the Week honors and earlier won the Carter Cup and Met Junior, completing a truly standout year.
Barnes Blake2. Liam Pasternak: A Consistent Force from High School to College
Liam Pasternak built on his reputation as the 2024 NJ.com Boys Golfer of the Year by delivering another strong season in 2025. He finished runner-up in the New Jersey State Amateur and remained a fixture near the top of NJSIAA leaderboards.
His best moment came when he captured the North Jersey Group 4 title with a career-best 66, a round that showed both skill and composure. Partnering with Barnes Blake, he reached the Round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur Four Ball. With a commitment to Notre Dame, Pasternak looks ready for national success.
Liam Pasternak3. John Havay: A Veteran Finally Claims a Major Title
John Havay’s 2025 season was defined by a breakthrough that validated years of effort. The 32-year-old from Trump National Bedminster won the New Jersey Mid Amateur Championship at Morris County Golf Club, earning his first individual state major.
He had already tasted victory in four-ball play, but this title carried special meaning. Four rounds of match play in intense heat tested both his accuracy and endurance, and he passed every challenge. Known for straight driving and precise iron shots, Havay showed that experience and discipline can still conquer strong fields in modern amateur golf.
John Havay4. Mark Costanza: A Career Defined by Sustained Excellence
Mark Costanza remains one of the most respected figures in New Jersey amateur golf because of his long record of success. He won the New Jersey Amateur in 2020 and has been named Metropolitan Golf Association Player of the Year twice.
Even as younger players emerge, he continues to contend, highlighted by a tie for third at the 2024 New Jersey Amateur. Nationally, his runner-up finish at the 2021 U.S. Mid Amateur earned him a coveted spot in the 2022 Masters. By delivering strong results year after year, Costanza has set a high standard for consistency and class.
Mark Costanza5. Troy Vannucci: Always in the Mix When Titles Are on the Line
Troy Vannucci has built a reputation as a competitor who rises when the stakes are highest. In 2025, he came within a single playoff of capturing the New Jersey Amateur, ultimately falling to Barnes Blake but proving once again that he belongs at the top.
A former New Jersey Mid Amateur champion, Vannucci is admired for his grit and his excellent short game, which allows him to recover from trouble and keep pressure on opponents. He has also represented the state in the Compher Cup, further confirming his value in both individual and team formats across the region.
Troy Vannucci6. Nick Desai: A Leader Among Senior Amateurs
Nick Desai has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in New Jersey amateur golf, especially in the senior ranks. His efforts were rewarded in 2025 when he was named the New Jersey Senior Player of the Year after another campaign of steady high finishes.
A longtime member at Baltusrol, Desai has won numerous regional senior events and repeatedly placed high in statewide standings. What makes him special is his ability to compete against much younger players in open championships. Through smart strategy and calm execution, he has remained relevant and dangerous across generations of competitors.
Nick Desai7. Jeremy Wall: Power and Experience Working Together
Jeremy Wall brings a blend of collegiate pedigree and natural power that has made him a constant presence near the top of New Jersey leaderboards. A former Loyola University Maryland golfer, he has proven he can contend not only against amateurs but also against professionals in the New Jersey State Open.
His tie for third at the 2024 New Jersey Amateur showed how reliable he is when the pressure is on. Coming from a strong golfing family, Wall plays with confidence and control. His powerful swing suits the long and demanding courses in the state, helping him continue to earn valuable ranking points.
Jeremy Wall8. Pat Wilson: Professional Experience Fuels Amateur Success
Pat Wilson followed an uncommon path by competing as a professional before returning to amateur status, and that background continues to benefit him. His tactical understanding of match play was clear when he reached the finals of the 2025 New Jersey Mid Amateur Championship, where he finished runner-up to John Havay.
Wilson is also a regular qualifier for USGA championships, showing that his game holds up well beyond state borders. In events like the New Jersey Amateur and the State Open, he often uses patience and smart course management to outplay less experienced opponents, making him a persistent threat whenever he enters a field.
Pat Wilson9. Eric Lefante: Quietly One of the State’s Most Reliable Players
Eric Lefante may not always attract the spotlight, but his results tell a powerful story. A fifth-place finish at the 2024 New Jersey Amateur proved that he can compete when the pressure and talent level are at their highest. He is also a former New Jersey Mid Amateur champion, adding a major title to his steady list of accomplishments.
Lefante is known for his consistent ball striking, which keeps him out of trouble and in contention over long tournaments. In four-ball play, he often partners with other top amateurs, showing adaptability across formats. His recent seasons confirm his reputation as one of the state’s most dependable competitors.
Eric Lefante10. Ridhit Beri: A Young Star on the Rise
Ridhit Beri stands out as one of the most promising young golfers to emerge from New Jersey in recent years. He has topped the NJ PGA Junior Tour points standings in the 16 to 18 age group, a sign of both talent and consistency. His junior career includes multiple wins and strong showings in national AJGA events, which have prepared him for tougher competition.
Beri has already begun to step into men’s amateur tournaments, where he has held his own against older players. As he prepares for collegiate golf, many see him as a future leader of the state’s amateur scene.
Ridhit BeriThe top 10 amateur golfers from New Jersey demonstrate the depth, talent, and dedication present across all age groups. Veterans such as Mark Costanza and John Havay continue to compete at the highest levels, while younger stars like Liam Pasternak and Ridhit Beri are already making a mark in collegiate and amateur tournaments.
Their accomplishments in state championships, national events, and team competitions reflect a commitment to excellence that strengthens New Jersey’s reputation in the sport. With such a strong mix of experience and emerging talent, the state’s amateur golf scene remains vibrant and full of promise.
