Justin Hastings Claims US Open Low Amateur Title at Oakmont
Amateur golfer Justin Hastings fired a resilient six-over par to dodge elimination at the US Open, ensuring he'll earn a spot in the weekend festivities, regardless of his final scores on the upcoming weekend rounds.
Approximately 10 per cent of the initial competitors at this year's event were amateurs, but the Cayman Islands native was the lone survivor of the 15 amateurs who made the cut. Having outlasted his fellow non-professionals, Hastings will take home the US Open low amateur honors.
Despite struggling with back-to-back 73s, Hastings can bask in his achievements, having displayed exceptional determination on the challenging Oakmont course. Joining an elite list of names who have earned US Open low amateur distinctions, Hastings' accomplishments place him amongst stalwarts such as:
- Scottie Scheffler: The World No.1, a powerhouse among the top golfers.
- Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jordan Spieth: Men who have proved their metal on the green, with Rahm emerging as a former US Open champion and Spieth claiming multiple major wins.
Born and raised on the golfing greens of Cayman Islands, which boast merely 27 holes, Hastings' undying passion for the sport remained unwavering. At just 14 years old, Hastings displayed promise by making the cut at the Latin America Amateur Championship held in Santiago, Chile. He honed his skills at the North Sound 18-hole course, setting a record for a round of 57.
Following a missed cut at The Masters in April, Hastings qualified for the US Open after triumphing at the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship.
Unfortunately, several established players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, and Ludvig Aberg fell short and missed the US Open cut. In a nod to determination, Hastings persevered through another grueling Oakmont day, birdieing his final hole after a double bogey at the par-3 8th.
Disappointingly, fellow amateurs Ben James and Jackson Koivun missed the cut by a single stroke, leaving Hastings as the last amateur standing.
If you're keen to keep abreast of the latest golf news, tournaments, and equipment updates, subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter and let our team of seasoned pros guide you through the world of golf!
Justin Hastings, the Cayman Islands native who survived as the last amateur at this year's US Open, might find inspiration in the achievements of other amateurs who have excelled in golf sports. Notable examples include Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jordan Spieth, who have proven their mettle on the green.
