Florida lands U.S. Amateur runner-up via transfer portal

The reigning U.S. Amateur runner-up has found his new home.

Noah Kent, the Iowa sophomore who lost to Arizona State’s Josele Ballester last August at Hazeltine, announced on Saturday that he plans to transfer to Florida. Kent entered the transfer portal earlier this month and will have two years of eligibility remaining when he officially joins the Gators next fall.

NCAA rules prohibit Kent, who logged four top-13 finishes in as many starts this fall for the No. 76 Hawkeyes, from competing for his new team this spring. He can still play for Iowa this spring.

Kent is currently ranked No. 69 in the national collegiate golf rankings and No. 197 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. He also recently attended the 16-man U.S. Walker Cup practice session.

Kent’s arrival is a boost for Florida, which won the NCAA team title two years ago and is ranked No. 14 in the nation after the fall. However, it also creates a crowded roster, especially considering impending roster limitations that are expected to kick in next fall. The SEC has said it will cap its programs’ rosters at eight players, meaning the Gators, who had seven returners plus three signings prior to Kent’s commitment, will have some tough decisions to make.