Here’s everything you need to know about the 15 amateurs teeing it up at Oakmont

Here's everything you need to know about the 15 amateurs teeing it up at Oakmont

Let’s get to know the 15 US Open amateurs in the field at Oakmont…

Every year, a select group of amateur golfers earn the chance to tee it up on one of golf’s most prestigious stages at the US Open. These talented players, though lacking professional status, bring with them exceptional skill, and the dream of making history.

Throughout the game’s history, several amateurs have left a lasting mark on major championships. Bobby Jones remains the gold standard – winning multiple majors, including four US Opens, all as an amateur.

Jack Nicklaus famously finished second to Arnold Palmer at the 1960 US Open while still at Ohio State University, and Phil Mickelson claimed low amateur honors in both 1990 and 1991. More recently, players like Matt Kuchar and Viktor Hovland impressed in major tournaments before turning pro.

2025 US Open amateurs

Let’s take a look at those hoping to follow in those storied footsteps and prove they can contend with the best in the world…

Evan Beck

A 34‑year‑old Wake Forest graduate and Virginia Beach native, Beck won the 2024 U.S. Mid‑Amateur to earn invitations to the 2025 Masters and US Open. Balancing a career in investment management, he missed the cut at Augusta at +9.

Trevor Gutschewski

Gutschewski, an 18‑year‑old Omaha native and son of a PGA professional, won the 2024 US Junior Amateur, earning him entry into the 2025 US Open at Oakmont. Gutschewski will be heading to the University of Florida this autumn.

Justin Hastings

A 21-year-old from the Cayman Islands and San Diego State senior, Hastings won the 2025 Latin America Amateur, earning spots in the 2025 Masters, US Open, and The Open. He led Team International 4-0 at the Arnold Palmer Cup and was low amateur at Augusta, but missed the cut at +4.

Frankie Harris

Harris, a 22‑year‑old junior at the University of South Carolina from Boca Raton, Florida, qualified for his first US Open by shooting an 11-under par during final qualifying, and earned All‑America recognition.

Mason Howell

At 17, Howell, from Thomasville, Georgia, will be the youngest player in the 2025 U.S. Open field after shooting two rounds of 63 at Piedmont Driving Club to qualify.

Ben James

James, 22, a University of Virginia senior from Milford, Connecticut, qualified for the US Open with a 5-under par score. This marks James’ second consecutive appearance in the championship. He previously competed in the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst, missing the cut by one stroke.

Noah Kent

Kent, a 20-year-old from Naples, Florida, qualified by finishing runner-up in the 2024 US Amateur at Hazeltine. In the final match, Kent was defeated by Spain’s Jose Luis Ballester – who would have been in this list but he turned pro recently to join LIV Golf.

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Jackson Koivun

Another teenager, Koivun is a 19-year-old sophomore at Auburn University and hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ranked No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Koivun became the first player to sweep college golf’s top four honors: the Haskins, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Phil Mickelson Awards.

Michael La Sasso

La Sasso, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Mississippi from Raleigh, North Carolina, qualified by winning the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Individual Championship. He posted a four-round total of 11-under par. La Sasso’s victory earned him invitations to both the US Open and the 2026 Masters. He also secured a spot on the US team for the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup.

Bryan Lee

Lee, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Virginia, qualified by finishing tied-3rd at the Woodmont Country Club sectional qualifier in Rockville, Maryland. He posted rounds of 70 and 69, advancing through a three-for-two playoff alongside LIV golfers Marc Leishman and Sebastián Muñoz. This marks Lee’s first appearance in a major championship.

Zachery Pollo

Pollo, a rising senior at the University of Arizona from Rocklin, California. He shot rounds of 65 and 71 to secure one of the four available spots in his qualifying tournament. This will be Pollo’s first appearance in a US Open.

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Lance Simpson

Simpson, a junior at the University of Tennessee, qualified for the 2025 U.S. Open by finishing 8-under-par at the Bent Tree Country Club sectional qualifier in Dallas. He shot a 69 in the first round and a 65 in the second round, securing one of seven spots available. Simpson was exempt from local qualifying due to his position within the top 50 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Cameron Tankersley

Tankersley, 21, a junior from Dickson, Tennessee, earned his spot in the 2025 US Open by shooting an impressive 8-under 134 at the Dallas sectional qualifier. This marks his first major appearance, following a standout collegiate career highlighted by multiple top finishes and All-Region honors.

Matt Vogt

Vogt, a 34-year-old dentist from Indianapolis. He was once a caddie at Oakmont, but stepped away from golf to focus on his profession. Despite being ranked 2,078th among amateurs and maintaining a full-time dental practice, he earned his spot through Final Qualifying. (Yes, we’re also annoyed he wasn’t given a 2.30 tee time…)

Tyler Weaver

The only non-American US Open amateur this year, 20-year-old Weaver hails from Newmarket, England, and is a Florida State sophomore. He earned his place by finishing tied-3rd in the Piedmont qualifier. He won the 2025 Cabo Collegiate and will have his brother Max as his caddie for his first major appearance.