Was dubbed “golf’s longest day,” as players across North America battled for coveted spots in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, scheduled for June 12-15.
With 47 places available across 10 qualifying sites, the stakes were incredibly high for golfers hoping to compete in the major often considered the toughest test in golf. Amidst all the pressure and challenges, Cameron Young delivered a stunning performance, ultimately birdying his way into a playoff and securing his place at Oakmont.
Young’s Clutch Performance in Ohio
Cameron Young’s journey to the U.S. Open was a dramatic display of resilience.
A Strong Finish into Playoff
Young, who has faced a challenging year on tour and was forced to compete in this 36-hole qualifier, found his stride late in his round. He birdied three of his final four holes, including a crucial 12-foot birdie on the first playoff hole. This late surge brought him into a five-way playoff, where he ultimately triumphed.
His crucial shots included a 9-iron to 8 feet for birdie on the 15th, a birdie on the par-5 16th, and a wedge shot to just 18 inches on the final hole of regulation. Reflecting on his round, Young stated, “I feel like I showed myself something today. For so long today I saw nothing go in.”
Playoff Victory Over Notables
The playoff began on the 10th hole. Young hit his driver into the left rough, then perfectly judged a wedge shot to 12 feet below the hole. He then sank the birdie putt. His impressive playoff birdie secured his spot, while notable players like Rickie Fowler and Max Homa were eliminated. Homa, who was carrying his own bag, heartbreakingly three-putted for par on his final regulation hole, dropping him into the playoff.
Other Key Qualifiers Across North America
The qualifying sites saw a mix of established pros, rising stars, and compelling amateur stories.
Kinsale (Ohio) Highlights
At the Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Ohio, where Young qualified, Erik van Rooyen earned medalist honors. He opened with an exceptional 64 and finished six shots clear of the field, easily securing his spot at Oakmont. Other qualifiers from this site included Bud Cauley, Lanto Griffin, Justin Lower, and Harrison Ott, who is ranked No. 2,651 in the world.
Bud Cauley, ranked 56th, is likely to gain an exemption if he remains in the top 60 after the Canadian Open, which would then allow Chase Johnson to earn his first U.S. Open appearance. Johnson won a separate playoff against Eric Cole for the alternate spots.
Springfield (Ohio) and Florida
In the other Ohio qualifier held in Springfield, Zac Blair emerged victorious from a four-way playoff. He outlasted John Peterson, a former PGA Tour player who had retired and sought reinstatement as an amateur. Meanwhile, the four spots from the Florida qualifier were not yet finalized due to a rain delay.
California and Atlanta Amateurs Shine
In California, Preston Summerhays of Arizona State led three of the four qualifiers. A playoff for the final spot between Joey Herrera and Lucas Carper was set to conclude on Tuesday. The Atlanta qualifier saw a strong showing from amateurs, securing three of the five available spots. Seventeen-year-old high school junior Mason Howell led the way, playing bogey-free for an impressive 18-under 126. He was joined by Auburn’s Jackson Koivun, who has already secured a PGA Tour card, and Florida State sophomore Tyler Weaver.
Canada, North Carolina, and LIV Golfers
The qualifying events in Toronto, Canada, and North Carolina each offered seven spots. In Canada, Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo were among the qualifiers, with Kevin Velo leading the field. Notably, Florida State junior Luke Clanton, who was No. 1 in the amateur world ranking, forfeited his U.S. Open spot to make his professional debut at the Canadian Open but then failed to qualify for the U.S. Open.
In North Carolina, Zach Bauchou led the seven players who qualified for Oakmont. Bauchou had previously gained attention two years prior when his college roommate, Viktor Hovland, caddied for him a day after winning The Memorial.
Several LIV Golf players also attempted to qualify, with four spots available in Maryland. Marc Leishman of Australia, who had not qualified for a major in the past two years since joining LIV, successfully beat fellow LIV player Sebastián Muñoz for one of the spots. Out of 15 LIV players originally in the Maryland field, five withdrew before the event, including Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood, while five others did not submit cards when it was clear they wouldn’t qualify.
A Dentist Heads to Oakmont
In a heartwarming story from Walla Walla, Washington, Matt Vogt secured one of the two qualifying spots. Vogt, who now works as a dentist in Indiana, will have a homecoming of sorts as he previously caddied at Oakmont, adding a unique narrative to the U.S. Open field.
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