Mason Howell wins U S Amateur

Mason Howell, 18, won the U S Amateur at The Olympic Club, becoming the third youngest champion in the event's history.

Howell wins U S Amateur at Olympic Club youngest winner since 2009

San Francisco’s Olympic Club hosted a striking showcase as Mason Howell, an 18-year-old senior from Georgia, defeated Jackson Herrington 7 and 6 to win the U S Amateur. Howell surged early, built a commanding lead, and closed out the match with a steady par on the 30th hole. The victory makes him the third-youngest champion in the event’s history and earns him invitations to the Masters, U S Open and British Open next year, along with a Walker Cup berth at Cypress Point.

Howell’s win underlines a rising generation in golf. The U S Amateur has long served as a talent incubator, turning teenagers into future pros and college stars. This year’s final, featuring two teenagers for the first time since 2013, reinforces the sport’s youth pipeline. The payoff is not just a trophy; it is entry to major championships and a national team stage that can shape a player’s career. Howell credits a mix of self-belief and composure, traits that will be tested as he balances school and college golf. The moment also spotlights the role of college golf as a bridge to professional life, with Howell heading to the University of Georgia in 2026 after this summer’s breakout showing.

Highlights

The next steps will reveal how far this win can take him