James Piot has been living the dream ever since he won the 121st U.S. Amateur in August. The fifth-year senior at Michigan State has enjoyed all sorts of perks, including throwing out a first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game, being honored between quarters at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, meeting baseball great Kirk Gibson, receiving congratulatory messages from Magic Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, and billboards with his mug all around town.
Still to come: a celebrity appearance in Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day parade and a trip to Augusta National to begin prepping for the Masters in April. Yes, life is good for Piot, who ranks No. 61 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
James Piot
Michigan State Spartans golfer James Piot holds up his trophy and thanks the crowd while being…
Michigan State Spartans golfer James Piot holds up his trophy and thanks the crowd while being honored for winning the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. (Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)
James Piot
The Havemeyer Trophy awarded to Piot for one year has found a home in the Michigan…
The Havemeyer Trophy awarded to Piot for one year has found a home in the Michigan State men’s golf team’s locker room. (Courtesy James Piot family)
James Piot
A mini version of the billboard for U.S. Amateur champ James Piot at the Michigan State…
A mini version of the billboard for U.S. Amateur champ James Piot at the Michigan State golf learning center. (Courtesy James Piot family)
James Piot
James Piot poses with the Havemeyer trophy between the two owners of Fox Hills Golf &…
James Piot poses with the Havemeyer trophy between the two owners of Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, the golf course where Piot honed his game as a kid. (Courtesy Piot family)
James Piot
James Piot and swing instructor Brian Cairns pose with a flag from the 17th hole, where…
James Piot and swing instructor Brian Cairns pose with a flag from the 17th hole, where he clinched the 121st U.S. Amateur title. (Courtesy Piot family)
James Piot
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center didn’t waste any time letting golfers know that one of…
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center didn’t waste any time letting golfers know that one of its own had won the U.S. Amateur. (Courtesy Piot family)
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