Justin Anderson wins Eddie Hogan Cup as Team Idaho takes first title

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Former Thunder Ridge standout Justin Anderson won the individual Eddie Hogan Cup title in Portland, Oregon, while helping Team Idaho capture its first team championship in the tournament's history.


The double victory concluded a stellar junior career for Anderson, who finished in the top five of every state golf tournament he competed in this year. The win in Portland served as his final junior competition before joining the collegiate ranks.


Anderson secured the victory after recovering from a challenging opening stretch in Portland. On the back nine, he executed a crucial par save on the 17th hole before navigating the 18th hole fairway with a hybrid club.

“I just came off a really clutch par save on 17, so I was in good spirits,” Anderson said. “I was, really tight tee shot. So I just grabbed my hybrid and committed to and fairway. So that's about all I could do.”

Uncertainty remained after Anderson finished his round as players posted high scores late in the day. Once the scores were finalized, Anderson celebrated ending his junior career with a win.

“Meant a lot because it's my last junior tournament ever, so felt really good to go out on a high note,” Anderson said.

In addition to Anderson's individual crown, Team Idaho made tournament history by securing its first Hogan Cup team championship.

“It meant a lot,” Anderson said. “You know, like, more as a team than I'd say individual. Just because everyone's just so happy. And we all get to celebrate something for Idaho.”

Anderson described the team celebration after learning they had secured the historic victory.

“It was awesome,” Anderson said. “It was first time in the history for the tournament Idaho won, so we were all super stoked and we'll be in history forever now.”

The individual trophy places Anderson's name on a prestigious list of past Eddie Hogan Cup champions, which includes Tiger Woods.

“It's crazy,” Anderson said. “It'll be something I can tell my kids when I'm older and just. I mean, now I get to say that I'm a champion with them for the rest of my life, so it's pretty cool.”

The win required mental resilience after Anderson opened the tournament with consecutive three-putts on the first two holes.

“I'd be lying if I said it was easy,” Anderson said. “The first two holes of the tournament, I went three putt, three putt and I was not in a good place, but I just went shot by shot after that and just kept grinding and it, it paid off. So you just got to keep one shot at a time and be patient.”

Anderson maintained confidence by focusing solely on his immediate shot rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

“Feels pretty good,” Anderson said. “Confidence over every shot. And just knowing that where you aim and where your target is, is if you swing hard and free, then it's going to go there just when you're playing it, you know, a lot of times the hardest part is staying in that zone.”

Speaking from his home course at Idaho Falls Country Club, Anderson expressed anticipation about taking the next step in his golf career with head coach Turner at Boise State.

“I'm so excited,” Anderson said. “coach Turner has been super welcoming and just. I know he has a ton of belief in me, so I'm super excited to get going.”


Anderson is scheduled to leave for Boise next week to begin his collegiate golf career with the Boise State Broncos.