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Lefty Maclauchlan Wins US Junior Amateur, Secures Open Spot

7/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Noah Maclauchlan defeated Miles Russell 6 and 5 to win the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur on July 25, 2026.
The final was the first all-left-hander showdown in USGA history, making Maclauchlan the third left-handed champion and tying the fourth-largest winning margin.
Both earned U.S. Amateur exemptions, with Maclauchlan securing a 2027 U.S. Open spot and Russell set to start at Florida State in 2027.

History

Historical Context

Since the USGA’s 1894 creation to govern American golf, the organization has steadily expanded opportunities, exemplified by the 1998 PGA Championship—the 80th edition held in Washington’s Pacific Northwest. That inclusive trend culminated in 2024 when Noah Maclauchlan beat Miles Russell 6-and-5 in the U.S. Junior Amateur, producing the first all-left-handed final and earning both players U.S. Amateur exemptions.

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Story summary

Noah Maclauchlan defeated Miles Russell 6 and 5 to win the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur on July 25, 2026.
The final was the first all-left-hander showdown in USGA history, making Maclauchlan the third left-handed champion and tying the fourth-largest winning margin.
Both earned U.S. Amateur exemptions, with Maclauchlan securing a 2027 U.S. Open spot and Russell set to start at Florida State in 2027.

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