Eric Meeks, 23, of Walnut, California, defeated Danny Yates of Atlanta, 7 and 6, in the final, played over the Cascades Course of the Virginia Hot Springs Golf and Tennis Club.

Tom McKnight of Galax, Virginia, earned the qualifying medal at five-under-par 137, one stroke better than Meeks. McKnight was eliminated in the first round by David Lind-of Chicago, runner-up in the 1987 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2 and 1.

Meeks did not have an easy path to the final. He was extended to the 18th hole or beyond in four matches. He defeated Randy Haag of Danville, California, 1 up, in the first round. After a 4-and-3 victory over Fred Benton of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in his second match, Meeks eliminated two-time U.S. Amateur champion Jay Sigel on the 21st hole.

Meeks then edged University of Arizona teammate Robert Gomez of Las Vegas, Nevada, and David Toms of Bossier City, Louisiana, 1 up, to gain his place in the final. Yates had a much easier time in his half of the draw. None of his matches reached the 18th hole until the semifinal round, where Doug Martin of Van Buren, Ohio, the 1984 U.S. Junior Amateur champion, stretched Yates to the 18th before Yates eliminated him, 1 up.

Meeks gained an early advantage in the 36-hole final, winning the first four holes with two birdies and two pars, but Yates won the sixth, seventh and eighth and was just one down through nine. Meeks then won the 12th through the 15th holes and was 5 up through 17. He lost the 18th when he three-putted, but still held a four-hole lead after the morning round.