Seventeen-year-old Mason Howell is going national! He is the youngest golfer to make it into the 156-player field at the 125th U.S. Open, currently being held at Oakmont Country Club. Howell’s journey from a child with a set of golf clubs to competing on one of golf’s biggest stages is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Robb Howell, Mason’s father, put a club in Mason’s hands at the young age of five. Mason found his love for the game at an early age. At the age of six, he was even qualified for his first tournament! Since then, he has built a remarkable legacy of achievements. In 2022, he swept all comers in his age group at Future Masters in Dothan, Alabama. This still-early victory seemed to magnify his considerable talents.
The young golfer made history by winning the 2018 Western Pennsylvania Open at Oakmont, proving his potential on a course known for its challenging layout. In April, Mason’s high school team Brookwood School won their fourth GIAA state title in five years. Mason’s playoff performances were electric, as he claimed the crown as the individual state champion in a dramatic final competition.
Mason started his quest to the U.S. Open in style. He co-medaled through local qualifying at Hawkstone Country Club in Gainesville, Florida, with a stellar 7-under 64 on May 8. His accomplishment earns him a spot in the highly-coveted tournament. That puts him among a very short list of young golfers who have cut in previous U.S. Open tournaments.
A second grandson, Mason Howell has ambitious plans for the event. He hopes to survive the 36-hole cut and walk away with the low amateur title. This goal is an important milestone for aspiring young golfers. Legends in the making like Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and now Viktor Hovland have done it.
“I know he wants to make the cut. He wants to have a chance to win, but this is the hardest test we have in golf,” said Howell’s coach, English. “This is his first time seeing it, so he’s going to learn a lot about himself, a lot about his game, and seeing this kind of level of golf is an awesome experience for him.”
As one of the youngest competitors at this year’s U.S. Open, Mason is excited by the challenge in front of her. His father said he can’t wait to see his son’s dreams play out on such a big stage.
“It really is all he wants to do,” Robb Howell stated. “He’d rather do this than eat or sleep, certainly rather do this than go to school. He wants to play golf.”
The Howell family has been thoroughly impressed by Mason’s dedication to the sport. Robb remembered a particularly touching time that helped him understand how serious and dedicated Mason was to his golfing dreams.
“I’ve seen him do that a bunch. I’ve seen him shoot 60 or 61 at our course several times,” Robb Howell shared. “I’m surprised he did it in that environment, but I’m not surprised he can make that many birdies.”
On the road from discovery to implementation, Mason has faced struggles and victories every step of the way. Looking back on his journey as a young golfer, he mentioned that countless hours of dedication played a huge role in his triumph.
“It kind of just shows that the hard work does pay off,” Mason remarked.
Mason Howell’s path to the U.S. Open transcends simple rivalry. It’s an adventure of self-discovery, one in which he does terrible things but grows as a person with each encounter. This young golfer’s determination and love for the game is truly inspiring. As he prepares for perhaps the most consequential moment of his career, his grit and resolve is palpable.
Gilliam, an assistant teaching professional at Glen Arven Country Club, will be caddying for Howell during tournament week. Gillam knows Mason is the most talented kid on the course, he says.
“He is one of the best putters I’ve ever seen,” Gillam stated.
Regardless of the obstacles she faces, Mason Howell’s story should be an inspiration to young athletes all over the world. He’ll walk onto the historic course at Oakmont, inspired by his dreams, just as you did. He bears the hope of his entire family and community on his shoulders.
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