Loyola Maryland junior Eli Spaulding has built a strong amateur résumé while continuing to develop as one of the Greyhounds’ top players.
The Freeport, Maine native won the 2024 Maine Amateur before capturing consecutive New England Amateur titles in 2025 and 2026. His latest summer also included a victory at the 2026 BMW Philadelphia Amateur and a third consecutive appearance in the U.S. Amateur.
Spaulding has carried that success into his junior season after earning Patriot League Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year, All Patriot League First Team and PING/GCAA All Region honors as a sophomore.
Career Highlights
• 2025 and 2026 New England Amateur Champion
• 2026 BMW Philadelphia Amateur Champion
• 2024 Maine Amateur Champion
• Three consecutive U.S. Amateur appearances
• 2026 Patriot League Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year
• 2026 All Patriot League First Team
• 2026 PING/GCAA All Region selection
• 2025 All Patriot League Second Team
• Led Loyola with a 72.19 adjusted scoring average as a sophomore
• Five top 10 finishes during his sophomore season
• Three time Maine Junior Golfer of the Year
• Three time Maine Class B individual state champion
From Maine to Loyola
Spaulding began playing golf around age five and developed his game at courses near his hometown of Freeport. He told CGN that joining Brunswick Golf Club became an important part of his development because it placed him around accomplished junior and college players.
Spending full summer days at the course allowed Spaulding to see how more experienced players practiced and prepared. That environment helped him transition from simply enjoying the game to understanding how to train with greater purpose. Pasted text
His junior career eventually included three consecutive Maine Class B individual state championships and three Maine Junior Golfer of the Year awards. In 2024, he accomplished one of his biggest goals by winning the Maine Amateur.
Spaulding said that victory taught him the importance of remaining present under pressure. He birdied his final two holes to secure a two shot victory and used the experience as a foundation for winning outside his home state. Pasted text
Developing at Loyola
Spaulding made an immediate impact after arriving at Loyola. He tied for second in his collegiate debut at the Howard/USF Intercollegiate, shooting 69, 71 and 66 to finish 4 under.
He led all Patriot League freshmen with a 73.19 stroke average and earned All Patriot League Second Team honors.
Spaulding took another step forward as a sophomore, leading Loyola with a 72.19 adjusted scoring average across 32 rounds while recording five top 10 finishes. His season included a seventh place finish at the Seminole Intercollegiate, where his performance on a course measuring approximately 7,400 yards gave him additional confidence in his ability to compete on longer layouts. Pasted text
He finished the season as the Patriot League Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year, an All Patriot League First Team selection and a PING/GCAA All Region selection.
Championship Summer
Spaulding followed his sophomore season with another productive summer of amateur golf.
He won the 2026 BMW Philadelphia Amateur, defeating Jake Haberstumpf 9 and 8 in the 36 hole championship match. The victory made Spaulding the third current or former Loyola golfer to win the event.
Two weeks later, he successfully defended his New England Amateur title to become a back to back champion.
Spaulding also qualified for his third consecutive U.S. Amateur, competing at Merion after previous appearances at Hazeltine National and The Olympic Club.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Finding Golf at a Young Age
Spaulding grew up in an athletic family and participated in running and soccer, but golf offered something different. He enjoyed creating shots and finding ways to escape difficult positions on the course, an approach that helped build his interest in the game. Pasted text
Learning How to Win
Winning the 2024 Maine Amateur was an important step in Spaulding’s development. After pursuing the title for several years, he learned that staying focused on the present was essential when competing under pressure. Pasted text
Choosing Loyola
Spaulding wanted a program where he could play more golf throughout the year, compete against strong fields and develop under a coach he trusted. His relationship with Loyola’s coaching staff and the program’s schedule became important factors in his decision. Pasted text
Expanding His Game
College golf showed Spaulding the importance of having different shots for changing conditions. He spent the summer developing lower trajectory tee shots, knockdown approaches and other options designed for wind and varying course conditions. Pasted text
Success in the Classroom
Spaulding credits his family and the people around him for helping establish the work ethic he applies to both academics and golf. He emphasized surrounding himself with people who are hardworking and committed to improving. Pasted text
Looking Toward Professional Golf
Spaulding told CGN that he would like to pursue professional golf. Competing against leading college and amateur players has given him opportunities to evaluate his game against the level he hopes to reach. Pasted text
CGN Angle
Spaulding’s progression has expanded from sustained success in Maine to championships across New England and the Philadelphia amateur circuit.
After winning the Maine Amateur in 2024, Spaulding added consecutive New England Amateur titles and the 2026 BMW Philadelphia Amateur while developing into Loyola’s leading scorer and an All Region selection.
Now in his junior season, Spaulding is focused on making his game more versatile as he continues competing against top college and amateur fields with professional golf among his long term goals.