Seventeen-year-old Mason Howell, a high school junior from Brookwood, Georgia, has etched his name into golf history by qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open, an achievement that stands as one of the greatest moments of his young life. Howell secured his spot at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club with a stunning performance at the final qualifier held at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta on Monday, June 2, 2025, a day famously dubbed "Golf's Longest Day" due to the grueling nature of the event.
Howell's journey to the U.S. Open was nothing short of spectacular. He fired back-to-back rounds of 63, totaling 18-under par, to tie for medalist honors alongside Jackson Buchanan, a promising young professional who recently completed a successful collegiate career with the Illinois Fighting Illini. This remarkable feat saw Howell outshine a competitive field that included seasoned professionals like Zach Johnson, K.J. Choi, and Jason Dufner, underscoring the high level of his play.
The qualifier awarded five coveted spots to the U.S. Open, with Howell and Buchanan claiming two. The remaining three qualifiers were Tyler Weaver, a standout from Florida State University; Jackson Koivun, the world's second-ranked amateur golfer; and Will Chandler, a PGA Tour player. All three finished tied at 11-under par. Despite the presence of experienced players such as two-time major champion Zach Johnson, Hayden Buckley, Greyson Sigg, and Christo Lamprecht, none could advance, highlighting the stiff competition Howell and his peers faced.
For Howell, this accomplishment is particularly meaningful as he prepares to make his first major championship start at one of golf's most challenging venues. The 125th U.S. Open will commence on June 12, 2025, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, where Howell will join the ranks of the sport's elite. His qualification is a testament to his talent and composure under pressure, especially given the intense nature of the 36-hole qualifier.
Reflecting on his experience, Howell shared candidly with Golf Channel, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Hugging my mom and my dad walking off the 18th green, just a feeling I don't know I'll feel again, but that was one of the greatest moments of my life." This emotional response highlights the significance of the moment for the teenager, who has been steadily climbing the ranks of junior golf.
Howell's golfing resume is impressive. Ranked No. 8 in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) for boys, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the course. His notable achievements include winning the 2023 Billy Horschel Junior Championship and finishing second at the 2024 Wyndham Invitational. Other strong performances include a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Junior Players Championship, a tie for seventh at the 2025 Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship, and an eighth-place tie at the 2025 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley. These results have contributed to his standing as a top junior golfer nationally and have earned him points in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), where he currently sits at 496th.
Looking ahead, Howell is committed to continuing his development at the University of Georgia, where he plans to play collegiate golf after graduating from Brookwood High School in 2026. His qualification for the U.S. Open not only marks a milestone in his career but also sets a strong foundation for his future in the sport.
The qualifier was a mixed day for many, however. Six-time PGA Tour winner Max Homa faced heartbreak after failing to secure a spot in the U.S. Open following a tense five-man playoff. Meanwhile, Cameron Young clinched the final qualifying position at a separate event held at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Columbus, Ohio, by making a birdie on the first playoff hole.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, who edged out Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2 last year, will be looking to retain his title. McIlroy himself has enjoyed a remarkable season, having won his first Masters Tournament at Augusta National in April, completing golf’s grand slam—a feat that adds even more excitement to this year’s U.S. Open.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Oakmont Country Club, a venue known for its demanding layout and challenging greens. For Mason Howell, the U.S. Open represents not only a chance to compete against the best in the world but also an opportunity to showcase the talent and determination that have brought him this far. With his remarkable performance in the qualifier and his impressive junior golf credentials, Howell is poised to make a memorable debut on one of golf’s biggest stages.
The 2025 U.S. Open promises to be a thrilling event, blending seasoned professionals with rising stars like Howell, who embody the future of the sport. As the action unfolds starting June 12, fans will eagerly watch to see how this young phenom fares against the elite of golf.
