As the 125th U.S. Open tees off from June 12 to June 15, 2025, at the storied Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, two remarkable stories are capturing the imagination of golf fans across the nation. Among the 47 qualifiers who earned their spots through grueling regional tournaments, 17-year-old Mason Howell and 34-year-old amateur dentist Dr. Matt Vogt stand out for their unlikely journeys to one of golf’s most prestigious stages.
Mason Howell, a junior at Brookwood High School in Thomasville, Georgia, is set to become one of the youngest competitors in the tournament’s history. Howell’s path to the U.S. Open is nothing short of extraordinary. Though ranked 496th among amateurs prior to qualifying, he shot an astounding 18-under-par over 36 holes at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta on June 2, 2025, tying for first place with University of Illinois golfer Jackson Buchanan. His back-to-back rounds of 63 were flawless, featuring 14 birdies and not a single bogey, a feat that stunned both amateurs and seasoned professionals alike.
Howell’s performance outshone notable PGA Tour veterans attempting to qualify, including 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson, K.J. Choi, and Jason Dufner. The qualifier, often called "Golf’s Longest Day" due to its demanding two-round format, seemed tailor-made for Howell’s precision and poise. He opened his morning round with five birdies on the front nine and added four more on the back nine, shooting a 31. His afternoon round was equally impressive, carding a 32-31 with nine birdies. His final birdie on the par-5 18th hole sealed a day he described as "one of the greatest moments of my life." Reflecting on his nerves, Howell said, "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous. Hugging my mom and my dad walking off the 18th green... is just a feeling that I don't know if I'll feel again, but it was one of the greatest moments of my life."
Born in Thomasville, Howell first picked up a golf club at the tender age of three and started competing in tournaments by six. His dedication has paid off with multiple accolades, including winning the 2023 Billy Horschel Junior Championship and the Future Masters Tournament in Alabama in 2023. He also boasts eleven top-10 finishes in his young career. Just last month, Howell led the Brookwood Warriors to their fourth Georgia Interscholastic Association (GIAA) Class AAA state golf title in five years, earning medalist honors himself with a 67, clinching the low medalist title in a playoff. Despite still having a year left of high school before graduating in 2026, Howell has already committed to play collegiate golf for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, promising an exciting future ahead.
Howell’s rapid rise in the ranks is reflected in his current standing as No. 8 in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings, a significant leap from his pre-qualifier position. His success is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of junior golf in the United States. "Everybody’s getting into it," Howell noted, highlighting the sport’s expanding reach among younger players.
Meanwhile, on a very different but equally inspiring path, Dr. Matt Vogt of McCordsville, Indiana, has also punched his ticket to Oakmont. The 34-year-old full-time dentist defied expectations by qualifying for the U.S. Open as an amateur, balancing his demanding professional life with his passion for golf. Vogt’s journey underscores that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. "I feel like I'm going to wake up from a dream," Vogt shared after his qualifying round. "This isn't going to be real... but I'm so excited."
Between long days treating patients and managing minimal sleep, Vogt’s achievement serves as an inspiration to many who juggle careers and family commitments while pursuing athletic dreams. "My hope in qualifying for the U.S. Open at this stage of my life as an amateur is to really inspire others," he said. "You can accomplish awesome things while still having a career... still having a family. It's never too late to follow your dreams, and honestly, I hope to be an example of that." Vogt’s story adds a compelling layer to the U.S. Open narrative, reminding fans that passion and perseverance transcend age and profession.
The 2025 U.S. Open, renowned for its challenging courses and elite competition, will take place at Oakmont Country Club from June 12 through June 15. Oakmont is known for its demanding layout and has hosted multiple major championships, making it a fitting stage for these inspiring stories. Both Howell and Vogt will join a field that includes the world’s best golfers, competing for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.
For Howell, the upcoming tournament is a chance to test his skills against seasoned professionals and create memories that will last a lifetime. "It'll be a week I won't forget," he said, looking forward to playing alongside his biggest fan, his father. His remarkable qualifying performance and steady ascent have already made him a player to watch, with many eager to see how the young prodigy handles the pressures of a major championship.
As the tournament approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on these two unlikely qualifiers—one a teenage phenom with a prodigious talent and the other a dedicated professional balancing life’s demands with a dream. Their stories embody the spirit of the U.S. Open, where grit, determination, and passion converge to create unforgettable moments in golf history.
The stage is set at Oakmont, and all eyes will be on the fairways and greens as Mason Howell and Dr. Matt Vogt embark on their respective journeys in the 125th U.S. Open. Whether it’s the youthful exuberance of a high school junior or the seasoned resolve of a dentist-turned-amateur, this tournament promises to deliver drama, inspiration, and a celebration of golf’s enduring appeal.
