Mason Howell, 17, debuts at the US Open: The young golf prodigy.

From a very young age, Mason Howell demonstrated an unwavering passion for golf. At just four years old, he was already dressing like a golfer, emulating the champion of the 1920s, Bobby Jones. This dedication led him to reach one of the most prestigious stages in world golf: the U.S. Open. At 17 years old, Howell becomes the youngest player to participate in the 125th edition of the U.S. Open, held at Oakmont Country Club. His father, Robb Howell, highlights his son’s determination: “It’s really all he wants to do. He’d prefer this to eating or sleeping, he’d certainly prefer this to going to school. He wants to play golf.” The young golfer earned his spot in the U.S. Open after an outstanding performance in the qualifying rounds. In the local qualifying at Hawkstone Country Club, Howell was co-medalist with an impressive score of 7 under par. Then, in the final qualifying at the Piedmont Driving Club, he demonstrated his consistency by not registering any bogeys in 36 holes, achieving two rounds of 9 under par and sharing first place with Jackson Buchanan. Howell’s participation in the U.S. Open is the result of years of hard work and dedication. “This shows that hard work pays off,” said Howell, recalling the intense training sessions under the Georgia sun. His debut in the tournament was on Thursday at 8:46 a.m. ET, on the 10th hole, alongside Chris Gotterup and Joakim Lagergren.

Howell has been a prominent figure in junior golf. At age 12, he gave up tennis and baseball to focus on golf. He has competed on the high school team since the sixth grade and currently plays for Brookwood School, where he won the individual state championship in April. Before his participation in the U.S. Open, Howell was ranked 470th in the World Amateur Ranking.

Jimmy Gillam, coach at Brookwood School, describes Howell as an “incredible talent” with an exemplary work ethic. Gillam, who is also a teaching assistant at Glen Arven Country Club, highlights Howell’s short game ability and his capacity to learn quickly. During practice rounds, Howell had the opportunity to play with professional golfer Harris English, who praised his talent and potential: “He has all the tools: he’s long, he can launch the ball, he looks like a good wedge player. He has all the tools.” Howell plans to play golf at the University of Georgia in 2026, the same university that English and his sister attended. Howell’s goal at the U.S. Open is to make the 36-hole cut and earn the title of best amateur. Bryson DeChambeau, defending champion of the tournament, advised him to enjoy the experience. According to English, Howell’s goal is to win, but also to learn and adapt to the demands of the tournament. If Howell makes the cut, he would become the third-youngest golfer to achieve it at the U.S. Open since World War II. His father, Robb Howell, expresses his pride: “It’s very good for a father to see a son’s dream come true.”