Wilson captures Missouri Amateur title

Nick Wilson never led during the first 24 holes of Sunday's championship match in the 105th Missouri Amateur at Dalhousie Golf Club.

That didn't prevent Wilson from winning his first Missouri Amateur title. He slipped past defending champion Skip Berkmeyer 2 and 1 in a thrilling final.

Wilson, who completed his golf eligibility at the University of Missouri this year, prevented St. Louis resident Berkmeyer from joining four other players as four-time winners of the Missouri Amateur.

Berkmeyer got off to a strong start during Sunday's final that was scheduled for 36 holes. He built a 2-up lead through five holes.

Wilson rallied to even the match twice, but Berkmeyer won three straight holes beginning at No. 12 for a 3-up advantage.

Skip Berkmeyer chips onto the third green during Sunday's final round of play in the Missouri Amateur Championship at Dalhousie Golf Club. (Laura Simon)

Berkmeyer still held a 3-up lead through 16 holes, but Wilson won Nos. 17 and 18. That sliced his deficit to 1-down when the competitors broke for lunch.

Berkmeyer quickly regained a 2-up lead through just two holes of the afternoon round, but Wilson would not go away.

Wilson again pulled even after 23 holes and never fell back behind. He led for the first time after 25 holes and was 2-up through 26 holes.

Wilson still was 2-up through 29 holes, but Berkmeyer battled back to level the match after 31 holes. They were still all square through 32 before Wilson finally took control for good.

A birdie on the par-5 No. 15 put Wilson 1-up through 33 holes.

Wilson's par on the par-4 No. 16 was good enough to put him 2-up with just two holes remaining.

Wilson clinched the title when he and Berkmeyer both made par on the par-4 No. 17.