Merion's 'magical' U.S. Amateur ended up being about something bigger than golf
In a U.S. Amateur week all about the magic and mystique of Merion, Jack Whaley's improbable win made it about something bigger. The post Merion’s ‘magical’ U.S. Amateur ended up being about something bigger than golf appeared first on Golf .
ARDMORE, Pennsylvania (AP) — English amateur golfer Jack Whaley, 22, from Doncaster, secured victory at the U.S. Amateur championship by narrowly defeating Jay Leng Jr. Following a challenging day in rainy conditions at Merion Golf Club, Whaley emerged triumphant after overcoming various setbacks, including double gloves, a wasp sting, and an umbrella.
By sinking his final putt, Whaley claimed the 36-hole final 4 and 3, followed by an emotional embrace with his caddy and father, Andy. Whaley, a Florida State Seminoles graduate, expressed that this win would be unparalleled. The U.S. Amateur is a significant event in Merion's history, where Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., clinched a season Grand Slam on the very same 11th hole in 1930.
Whaley, the first English amateur to win since Matt Fitzpatrick in 2013, also earned an exemption into the 2027 US Open, 2027 British Open, and the Masters should he remain an amateur. Leng, a Stanford junior, finished second, earning a spot on the 2026 U.S. Walker Cup team and the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach the following year if he retains his amateur status.
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