U.S. Open 2025: Promising Amateurs on the Brink of Qualifying

Anticipated U.S. Open 2025: Promising Amateurs Set to Clear the Bar

U.S. Open: A Stage for Amateur Dreams

The U.S. Open continues to be one of the select few platforms in professional sports, where top-tier amateurs can challenge the best professional golfers globally. Since Johnny Goodman took the title at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois, in 1933, no amateur has replicated his success. However, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where some promising amateurs may shake up the game.

From Campus to the Pros

Jackson Koivun, a sophomore at Auburn University, is one such exceptional talent. Ahead of Phil Mickelson in the overall power rankings, Koivun boasts an impressive resume. He made the cut at his PGA Tour debut at The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village and clinched the runner-up spot in the 2024 NCAA Individual Championship. This year, he's maintained a strong showing, making the cut in both PGA Tour events he entered: the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Koivun's ability to handle tough courses makes him a robust contender to make it to the weekend.

World-class Amateur

Boasting the No. 3 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Ben James is another name to remember. James was hailed as the 2024 Ping Player of the Year and statistically gains 1.86 strokes on the composite professional tour average, including players from the PGA, DP World, Korn Ferry, Japan, and China Tours. James averages 306 yards off the tee, a significant advantage on longer, challenging U.S. Open setups, as evidenced by Bryson DeChambeau's 2020 victory at Winged Foot.

Winning Streak

Michael La Sasso, the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Individual Championship winner, enters the U.S. Open on a roll. Ranked No. 10 in the WAGR, he showcases a dynamic spine angle at impact and boasts raw power. Despite a slight lag in strokes gained relative to the PGA Tour field compared to Koivun and James, La Sasso's recent victory and momentum could propel him into the weekend.

While the odds of an amateur winning the U.S. Open remain minimal, the trio of Koivun, James, and La Sasso presents the most significant chance for the amateur ranks to cause a stir this year. Making the cut at a major competition is no small accomplishment, but for these three amateurs, it’s well within their reach.

FBI Warns: Delete These Texts

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While the world of golf prepares for the U.S. Open, global political tensions rage. The FBI has issued a warning for iPhone and Android users to delete specific texts related to an ongoing investigation. In the Middle East, Israeli strikes against Iran have escalated, with Trump demanding a nuclear deal or face "more brutal" attacks. Meanwhile, the political drama in Los Angeles continues as Trump maintains control of the National Guard after a ruling by the appeals court was paused. Keep an eye on these unfolding stories as they develop.

Jackson Koivun, currently a sophomore at Auburn University and ranked ahead of Phil Mickelson in the power rankings, has proven himself as an exceptional amateur golfer, having made the cut at his PGA Tour debut and clinching the runner-up spot in the 2024 NCAA Individual Championship.
Ben James, ranked No. 3 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), is another promising talent, having been hailed as the 2024 Ping Player of the Year and averaging 306 yards off the tee, a significant advantage on longer, challenging U.S. Open setups.