Amateurs Take Center Stage at 2025 U.S. Open: Meet the 15 Rising Stars!

Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania, USA - As the excitement builds for the upcoming 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, which kicks off on June 12, the spotlight is on the impressive field, comprising nearly 10% amateurs. This year, 15 eager amateurs will take their shot against seasoned professionals, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports.

Among the standout participants is Jackson Koivun, currently the top-ranked amateur worldwide, who qualified through the highly competitive final qualifiers at Piedmont Driving Club. It’s worth noting that these qualifying rounds are no walk in the park; they embody what is known as Golf’s Longest Day—a grueling 36 holes played in a single day at various sites across the globe.

A Diverse Group of Talented Amateurs

Joining Koivun are others making their mark in the U.S. Open:

• Evan Beck – Triumphed at the 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur with an overwhelming 9-and-8 final.
• Trevor Gutschewski – The young champion emerged victorious at the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur.
• Noah Kent – Recently transferred to Florida and earned a spot after being a runner-up at the U.S. Amateur.
• Michael La Sasso – Coming fresh off winning the NCAA individual title.
• Mason Howell – The 17-year-old Georgia commit is looking to shine after an impressive 18-under score in final qualifying.
• Matt Vogt – A dentist by day, he is excited to make his debut at Oakmont.

This diverse group showcases a broad range of talent—from rising collegiate athletes to seasoned veterans of amateur championships. Their inclusion adds a thrilling layer of unpredictability to the championship.

The Path to Qualification

The journey to the U.S. Open is no small feat. Many of these amateur players faced fierce competition during the qualification rounds, which have become increasingly essential as competitive fields grow. In 2024, 73 out of 937 players managed to advance from the final qualifying stages. Notably, approximately 7.5% of participants in these qualifiers secured their place at golf’s premier event, as outlined by GolfLink.

Adding to the narrative, PGA Tour player Max Homa recently participated in qualifying at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club, opting to carry his own clubs rather than relying on a caddie. His experience—alongside fellow tour professionals such as Padraig Harrington and Rickie Fowler, who unfortunately did not qualify—highlights the dedication required at this level, as described by USA Today.

These qualifiers serve as a rare opportunity for amateurs—including high school golfers—to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with pros, creating an unforgettable experience filled with both nerves and excitement. After all, there’s something to be said for stepping into the shoes of champions, feeling the thrill of the game at this elite level.

As June 12 approaches, spectators are eager to see how these amateurs fare on the grand stage, and whether they’ll carve their names into golf history at Oakmont.