Mason Howell, 18, conquers the US Amateur: The youngest champion since 2009

Young golfer Mason Howell, about to start his senior year of high school, capped off a spectacular summer by becoming champion of the U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club last Sunday. This triumph adds to his participation in the U.S. Open, marking a milestone in his promising career.

A Champion with History

Howell, who turned 18 in June, dominated his opponent, Jackson Herrington, from the first 18 holes, securing the victory in the 36-hole final with a score of 7 and 6. This achievement makes him the third youngest champion in the history of the U.S. Amateur, surpassing even great figures.

It’s incredible to have my name alongside these greats on this trophy. Being next to someone like Tiger is an unreal feeling.

Mason Howell

Howell’s victory earns him invitations to the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the British Open next year. In addition, it secures his participation in the Walker Cup in September. In the final, Howell demonstrated remarkable maturity, making crucial putts while Herrington made mistakes. This was the first U.S. Amateur final with two teenagers competing since 2013.

Howell won 11 holes, eight of them with pars, and responded to each lost hole by winning the next one. His performance at this year’s U.S. Open, where he failed to make the cut, served as valuable experience at The Olympic Club. Howell’s father, Robert Howell, highlighted his son’s excellent summer, emphasizing his growth and dedication. Howell took a significant lead in the first 18 holes, including an eagle on the 7th hole. His consistency in the short game was key to keeping Herrington at bay.

We wanted to get ahead from the start. I wanted to keep the pace, but without making mistakes. I knew that if I played to the center of the greens and made two putts, it would be enough.

Mason HowellHerrington birdied the 18th hole to narrow the gap, but then made mistakes that prevented him from coming back. Howell, now focused on his final year of high school and his future at the University of Georgia in 2026, expressed his excitement about the triumph.

At the end of the day, I’ll have to sit in a classroom for eight hours for the next few months. I have to enjoy this and celebrate it with friends and family.

Mason HowellThe U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club has been the scene of great victories, including those of Charles Coe (1958), Nathaniel Crosby (1981), and Colt Knost (2007).