Anticipated U.S. Open 2025: Promising Amateur Golfers on the Brink of Qualification
Amateur Golfers Ready to Make a Splash at the 2025 U.S. Open
Get ready for some serious competition at the upcoming U.S. Open, as elite amateurs take on the world's best professional golfers. It's been a hot minute since an amateur claimed the title - going all the way back to 1933, when Johnny Goodman triumphed at North Shore Country Club. But this year, these three amateurs are aiming to change that:
Jackson Koivun (a) This sophomore at Auburn University is causing a stir in the golf world, currently ranked ahead of Phil Mickelson in the overall power rankings. Koivun has made a name for himself with impressive performances at high-profile events. He made the cut in his PGA Tour debut at The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village and finished runner-up in the 2024 NCAA Individual Championship. In 2025, he managed to make the cut in both PGA Tour events he entered: the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Given his experience and ability to handle tough courses, Koivun could be a strong contender for the weekend.
Ben James (a) Ranked No. 3 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), James was named the 2024 Ping Player of the Year. He consistently outperforms the composite professional tour average, with statistics showing he gains 1.86 strokes on the PGA Tour average. James' long drives - averaging 306 yards off the tee - will be a significant advantage on longer, demanding U.S. Open setups. After Bryson DeChambeau's successful 2020 victory at Winged Foot, where length proved pivotal, James looks poised to follow in similar footsteps.
Michael La Sasso (a) Fresh off the back of a win at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Individual Championship, La Sasso enters the U.S. Open with some serious momentum. Ranked No. 10 in the WAGR, he's known for his dynamic spine angle at impact and raw power. However, his performance lags behind Koivun and James when it comes to strokes gained relative to the PGA Tour field. Nevertheless, La Sasso remains a potential dark horse contender for the weekend.
While an amateur win remains somewhat unlikely, these three amateurs have what it takes to make the cut and make some noise at this year's U.S. Open. Keep an eye on them as they test their skills against the pros!
At the 2025 U.S. Open, audiences can expect exciting performances from amateurs Jackson Koivun, Ben James, and Michael La Sasso. These golf prodigies, competing against seasoned professionals, could make a strong impact in the sport, showcasing their skills in events like the PGA Tour and the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Individual Championship. In particular, James, ranked No. 3 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, might emulate Bryson DeChambeau's victory at Winged Foot due to his long drives and superior statistics compared to the PGA Tour average.
