Knost, who won the U.S. Public Links title in June, will face Michael Thompson of the University of Alabama in Sunday's 36-hole final round. Thompson beat Casey Clendenon 3 and 2 on the rolling course just south of San Francisco.

Knost, a 22-year-old Southern Methodist graduate, could become just the second player to win both amateur championships in the same year. Ryan Moore, now a top-60 player on the PGA Tour, won the Amateur and the Publinx in 2004.

"That'd be great," Knost said. "I'd like to hold one (trophy) in each hand. ... I've thought about it. People tell me all the time how Ryan Moore is the only guy that's done it in the same year. He's a great player, and I'd love to be up there with him."

After a mediocre front nine that left him visibly frustrated, Knost beat his Venezuelan opponent with more of the steady play that propelled him to the Publinx title. Knost lost the first two holes but didn't lose another, closing out the match with wins on four straight.

"It's ideal for me," Knost said of The Olympic Club's long, classic layout. "You have to drive it so straight out here, and that's a strength of my game."

Thompson, a second-team All-American at Alabama last season, led from the opening hole in his match against Clendenon. The Arizona native was the only semifinalist to finish the front nine under par, and he closed with five straight pars as Clendenon ran out of time to catch up on the 16th.

While Knost weighs the perks of turning pro after a remarkable amateur season, Thompson hopes his strong play in the Bay Area will propel him into a spot on the Walker Cup team alongside Knost, who's already in after winning the Publinx.