At just 18 years old, Mason Howell made history at The Olympic Club in San Francisco by winning the 2025 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in a commanding 7 and 6 victory over Jackson Herrington. Howell secured the title after only 30 of the scheduled 36 holes, becoming the third-youngest champion ever and surpassing the legendary Tiger Woods, who won the tournament in 1994 at 18 years, 7 months, and 29 days. This milestone marks a significant moment in Howell’s rising career and sets the stage for his participation in major upcoming competitions.
Howell’s Surprising Reaction to Walker Cup Selection
Following his U.S. Amateur triumph, Howell appeared on the Dan on Golf podcast with Dan Rapaport, where he shared his unexpected response to being selected for the USA team in the Walker Cup. The young golfer admitted that playing for his country was initially not on his mind during the tournament week.
“It’s unbelievable. That’s something I wasn’t even thinking about coming into the week. Obviously, you’re thinking about winning. I didn’t even know the winner got an automatic spot. But when I was told that after my quarterfinal match, I was like, making the final match is awesome. So many perks go with it, but that gives you so much more incentive to get the job done.” — Mason Howell, 2025 U.S. Amateur Champion
Howell’s awareness of the automatic Walker Cup qualification came only after his intense quarterfinal win against John Daly II. That match was a tightly contested battle, with Howell edging out Daly by a single point. Fueled by the newfound opportunity, Howell dominated his next opponents, defeating Eric Lee within 16 holes and then dispatching Herrington to finish the finals in 30 holes.
Team USA Lineup for the Upcoming Walker Cup at Pebble Beach
Mason Howell’s victory secured his spot on the U.S. team for the Walker Cup, which will take place on September 6-7, 2025, at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California. Alongside Howell, several other top amateur golfers have earned positions on the squad, assembling a formidable roster for competition against the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The team will include Ethan Fang, who earned his place by winning both the Amateur Championship and the National Championship at Oklahoma State. Veteran Stewart Hagestad, 34 years old, will bring valuable experience as a consistent top-5 amateur player. Other key teammates are Ben James, one of the highest-ranked amateurs globally, and Jackson Koivun, currently the world’s number one amateur player.
Further additions to the squad are NCAA champion Michael La Sasso, ACC Individual title winner Jacob Modleski, and Tommy Morrison, who has been noted for his playing style similar to Scottie Scheffler. The team also features Preston Stout, ranked fourth worldwide, and Jase Summy, winner of the Western Amateur tournament. Despite expectations, Miles Russell did not qualify for the team this year.
Howell’s Path Forward: Major Championships and Broader Impact
Beyond the Walker Cup, Howell’s U.S. Amateur victory carries significant implications for his future in professional golf. The win grants him entry into three major championships in 2026: the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. These opportunities will allow Howell to showcase his talents on some of golf’s biggest stages, potentially propelling him into the spotlight as the next major star in American golf.
Howell’s accomplishment also invites comparisons to Tiger Woods, who similarly made a name for himself as a young prodigy. This parallel raises questions about Howell’s potential to become a transformative figure in the sport.
Expanding the U.S. Amateur Legacy and Team Prospects
Mason Howell’s record-breaking feat at the U.S. Amateur not only reflects his exceptional skill but also reinforces the evolving trajectory of American amateur golf. His selection to the Walker Cup team underscores the depth of emerging talent ready to compete internationally.
The Walker Cup event at Pebble Beach will offer a platform for Howell and his teammates to test their mettle against top players from the U.K. and Ireland. This experience is likely to further shape their careers and contribute to the development of the next generation of golf stars.
As Howell moves forward, his focus remains on building momentum through these competitions while embracing the responsibilities and opportunities that come with representing his country on such a prestigious stage. The golf world will be watching closely to see how he translates this early success into sustained achievement in the sport.