Teenage High School Pupil Successfully Enters U.S. Open Tennis Tournament While Offering Heartfelt Appreciation to His Parents
Revised article:
Experience the thrill of the U.S. Open’s qualifying rounds — every single year, they deliver unforgettable tales that leave us spellbound. 2025 was no exception!
One of the standout stories from the "Longest Day in Golf" was the phenomenal 17-year-old, Mason Howell, clinching a spot in the year’s third major championship. Hailing from Thomasville, Georgia, this high school junior aced a pair of 63s at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, tying for the medalist position.
Nipping at the Brink: Max Homa Fails to Seal U.S. Open Berth After Shouldering His Bag for 38 Holes
Scoring an astonishing 18-under over 36 holes might seem like a guaranteed ticket to the U.S. Open, but the pool of competitors striving for a spot in this prestigious tournament is damn near insane! Howell, however, seized the opportunity to step onto the hallowed grounds of Oakmont with his share of first place. Challenging him was the pro, Jackson Buchanan, who matched Howell’s two 63s, tying them at the top of the leaderboard.
After achieving his dream, Howell had a heartfelt chat with Golf Channel, acknowledging the emotions he felt during the momentous occasion. He shared,
"I ain't gonna lie, I was shook as shit!" Howell grumbled. "Hugging my ma and pa after sinking the last putt on 18, that feeling? I can't even put it into words, but that was one of the best moments of my blasted life!"
Check out this post on Instagram [Image of Mason Howell with his trophy] A post shared by Golf Channel (@golfchannel)
Howell, ranked 126th in Data Golf’s amateur rankings, has already committed to play college golf at Georgia in September 2024. As he gears up to join the illustrious ranks of former Bulldogs who’ve made it to the PGA Tour post-college, this teen sensation is setting the bar high.
While qualifying for a U.S. Open at 17 years old is an incredible accomplishment, Howell pales in comparison to the youngest player ever to qualify for the major championship. Andy Zhang, who stole the show in 2012 at the tenderness of 14 years old, holds the record for the youngest qualifier[2].
[1] Retrieved from https://www.golfchannel.com/video/mason-howell-shares-emotional-moment-us-open-qualifying/[2] Retrieved from https://www.golf.com/news/2021/06/22/youngest-qualifiers-u-s-open-andy-zhang-2012-joseph-bramlett-2008/[3] Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/34131151/michael-thorbjornsen-second-youngest-player-make-36-hole-cut-u-s-open[4] Retrieved from https://www.golfweek.com/2019/06/13/john-j-mcdermott-youngest-winner-u-s-open-history/[5] Retrieved from https://www.si.com/golf/2011/06/16/youngest-kid-to-win-major-golf-us-open-an-ace-i-know
Sports enthusiasts across the nation were captivated by Mason Howell's triumph in the U.S. Open qualifying rounds, as the 17-year-old golfer sealed his spot in the year's third major championship. During an interview with Golf Channel, Howell revealed his excitement and emotions, stating, "I ain't gonna lie, I was shook as shit!"
