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Jack Whaley Wins U.S. Amateur, Earns Major Exemptions

8/17/2026

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Summary

Whaley Wins Amateur

Jack Whaley, a 22-year-old senior ranked No. 90, beat Jay Leng Jr. 4&3 to win the U.S. Amateur at Merion.
He became the first English champion since 2013 and only the third English winner.
The win grants exemptions to the 2027 Masters, the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and the Open at St Andrews.
He rallied from deficits in the semifinal and final, playing after a wasp sting with his father Andy caddying.

Summary

Whaley Wins Amateur

Florida State coach Trey Jones flew to Philadelphia on a private jet to support Jack Whaley in the U.S. Amateur final.
Jones praised Whaley’s five-match run, saying the course plays even faster.
Whaley finished the tournament 5-0, defeating five ranked opponents including No. 5 Jackson Ormond and No. 15 Jay Leng Jr.
The win was the first U.S. Amateur title for a Florida State golfer, a historic program milestone.

History

Historical Context

In 2013 Matt Fitzpatrick became the first English player to win the U.S. Amateur, a tournament that had received a record 10,127 entries and traditionally produced American champions. His victory earned exemptions to the 2014 Masters, U.S. Open and Open Championship. A decade later, 22-year-old Jack Whaley captured the 2024 Merion title, underscoring growing international depth in U.S. collegiate golf.

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Whaley Wins Amateur

Jack Whaley, a 22-year-old senior ranked No. 90, beat Jay Leng Jr. 4&3 to win the U.S. Amateur at Merion.
He became the first English champion since 2013 and only the third English winner.
The win grants exemptions to the 2027 Masters, the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and the Open at St Andrews.
He rallied from deficits in the semifinal and final, playing after a wasp sting with his father Andy caddying.

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