The Olympic Club, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Mason Howell, an 18-year-old golfer from Thomasville, Georgia, made history by winning the U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club. Seeded 63rd, Howell overcame early bogeys to dominate Jackson Herrington, winning the match 7&6. This victory awarded him the prestigious Havemeyer Trophy and invitations to major events in 2026, including the Masters and U.S. Open. Howell’s journey showcases a blend of skill, poise, and resilience, suggesting a bright future in professional golf as he prepares for further challenges and begins his college journey at the University of Georgia.
San Francisco — A new star blazes through at The Olympic Club
Shock, style and a statement
In a finish that felt both sudden and inevitable, Mason Howell, an 18-year-old from Thomasville, Georgia, swept the U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club in emphatic fashion. Seeded 63rd after squeaking into match play by winning a playoff, Howell came into the week ranked No. 362 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking — and left with the sport’s most historic amateur trophy.
How the final unfolded
The title match pitted Howell against 19-year-old Jackson Herrington of Dickson, Tennessee. After an uneasy start where Howell bogeyed the first two holes and Herrington briefly held the upper hand, Howell steadied himself with three straight pars. The turning point arrived on the par-4 seventh hole when Howell produced an eagle that swung momentum completely in his favor. By lunchtime, Howell had already built a four-hole cushion.
Howell’s afternoon approach was simple and rugged: find the fairways, hit the center of the greens and avoid big mistakes. Herrington struggled to apply pressure, and Howell’s steady play turned into dominance. By the 30th hole Howell was dormie-6 — six up with six to play — and the match concluded when Herrington conceded Howell’s short birdie putt, ending the final with a commanding 7&6 victory.
History made — and what it earns him
At 18 years, one month and three weeks old, Howell became the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion in history, younger than the age at which a legendary champion first struck that note in his career. The win brought Howell the prestigious Havemeyer Trophy and a slew of high-value exemptions: automatic spots in the 2026 Masters, the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and very likely an invitation to the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Howell also punched an automatic ticket to the 2025 USA Walker Cup Team at Cypress Point, guaranteeing him team duty in one of amateur golf’s biggest driving forces.
The backstory and rise
Howell’s arc reads like the prodigy text: picked up the game at age five, showcased that love through junior success and even donned a Bobby Jones costume for Halloween back when the game was mostly play and imagination. As a junior he collected notable wins and turned heads with impressive scoring. In U.S. Open Final Qualifying he made waves with back-to-back 63s, becoming the youngest player in the Oakmont field — even though he missed the cut in the major itself.
On the way to the final at The Olympic Club, Howell took down some big names in match play, including a quarterfinal victory over John Daly II and a semifinal win against Eric Lee. Those victories underlined that this was no one-week miracle; it was a string of fearless golf and clutch decision-making.
What’s next for Howell?
The immediate future for Howell is now framed by huge opportunities on the biggest stages in golf. With exemptions to the major championships in 2026 and an assured spot on the 2025 Walker Cup Team, Howell’s calendar will be packed with events that test every part of his game. Off the course he’s set to join the University of Georgia in 2026, cementing college plans while carrying a very rare credential: the U.S. Amateur title.
Why this matters to golf fans
Howell’s win feels like a fresh breath for amateur golf — a young, composed player who can make big scores and manage match-play pressure the old-school way: steady, smart and sometimes spectacular. His ascent from a low WAGR ranking through match-play gauntlets, and his ability to close out the final so decisively, suggests a player who could be a major presence in the pro ranks sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club?
Mason Howell, 18 years old from Thomasville, Georgia, won the championship.
What was the final match score?
The final ended with a 7&6 victory for Howell over Jackson Herrington.
How old is Mason Howell and what records did he set?
Howell is 18 years, one month and three weeks old, making him the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion.
What exemptions did Howell earn with his win?
He earned exemptions into the 2026 Masters, the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and likely an invite to the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. He also secured a spot on the 2025 USA Walker Cup Team.
What notable players did Howell beat during the tournament?
Howell defeated John Daly II in the quarterfinals and Eric Lee in the semifinals en route to the title.
What are Howell’s future plans?
He is committed to attend the University of Georgia in 2026 and will compete in several major events thanks to his exemptions.
At-a-glance stats and quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mason Howell |
| Age | 18 years, 1 month, 3 weeks |
| Hometown | Thomasville, Georgia |
| Final Match Score | 7&6 |
| Seed / WAGR | 63rd seed after playoff / No. 362 WAGR |
| Key Exemptions | 2026 Masters, 2026 U.S. Open (Shinnecock Hills), likely 2026 Open (Royal Birkdale) |
| Team Selection | 2025 USA Walker Cup Team (automatic) |
| Notable match wins | Quarterfinal vs John Daly II; Semifinal vs Eric Lee |
| Junior highlights | Multiple junior tournament wins; began playing at age five |
| College plans | University of Georgia, 2026 |
For golf fans keeping score: this is one arrival you’ll want to follow. Howell mixed bold shotmaking with match-play savvy and left The Olympic Club carrying not just a trophy but a calendar full of big tests. Expect to see more of him on the biggest stages very soon.
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Additional Resources
- LPGA: Morgan Looks to Join History as U.S. Senior Women’s Open Enters Weekend
- Amateur Golf: U.S. Senior Women’s Open Amateur Tracker at San Diego CC
- Amateur Golf: Mason Howell’s Breakthrough – Teen Sensation Wins the 2025 U.S. Amateur
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: U.S. Amateur Championship
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