Palmer Jackson is having the time of his life at the United States Golf Association’s Amateur Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C.

The 2019 Franklin Regional graduate advanced to the quarterfinals by taking down two recent college graduates Thursday.

He earned a 1-up victory over Auburn graduate Jacob Solomon during the morning’s Round of 32 at Pinehurst No. 2 and followed with a 2-up win against Stanford grad Isaiah Salinda.

“Everyone is so good here,” Jackson said. “I don’t know if I’m playing all that great, but I’m competing. I love match play.

“I’ve hit my share of poor shots, but I know when and I know how to make shots when I need to. No matter what happens, it’s been a wonderful experience.”

Solomon built a 2-up lead on Jackson through eight holes, but Jackson began his rally with a birdie on the 192-yard par-3 ninth hole.

He evened the match with a par on No. 11 and took a 1-up lead with a par on No. 12.

Solomon evened the match with a birdie on No. 13, but Jackson reclaimed the lead for good with a bogey on No. 14.

Jackson, who will play at Notre Dame this fall, shot a 2-over 72 on Pinehurst No. 2.

“It’s the hardest course I’ve ever played,” Jackson said. “My 76 on Tuesday was actually a good score. It rained really hard on Tuesday night and the greens softened. They’re starting to get firm again.”

He advanced to the afternoon round against Salinda of South San Francisco. He helped Stanford win the 2019 national championship.

It was a back-and-forth match before Jackson won the final two holes to clinch the victory.

Jackson rallied with two birdies to grab a 1-up lead through five holes. He began the round with a double-bogey 6 on the first hole. He went 2-up before Salinda tied the match on No. 12.

Jackson never trailed after the third hole.

Jackson next faces John Augenstein, who will be a senior at Vanderbilt this fall.

“It’s really cool,” Jackson said. “The crowds keep getting larger. It’s a great atmosphere. Hopefully I continue to do what I’ve been doing.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)