Jack Whaley of England captured the U.S. Amateur championship at Merion Golf Club, securing a 4 and 3 victory over Jay Leng Jr. in the 36-hole final. The 22-year-old college senior played through challenging weather conditions and other obstacles to claim amateur golf’s premier title. Whaley’s father served as his caddie throughout the week, providing support that proved instrumental in the victory.
Whaley faced various difficulties during the championship, including rain-soaked conditions that affected his grip and prompted him to adopt double gloves during play. He was also stung by a wasp on the fourth fairway during the afternoon session of the final but managed to overcome the distraction. Leng held a 2-up advantage after the first 18 holes, but Whaley rallied over the back nine to seal the title with a birdie on the final hole.
With the victory, Whaley becomes the first Englishman to win the U.S. Amateur since Matt Fitzpatrick at Brookline in 2013. The win marks his seventh U.S. Amateur championship held at Merion. As a college senior at Florida State, Whaley earned exemptions into multiple major championships, including the 2027 U.S. Open, the 2027 Open Championship at St. Andrews, and the Masters, provided he remains an amateur.
Leng, a Stanford junior, received his own significant consolation honors from his runner-up finish. He earned a spot on the 2026 U.S. Walker Cup team and secured exemptions into the Masters and the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach next year. Five other amateurs were also named to the Walker Cup team: Kihei Akina, Ryder Cowan, Josiah Gilbert, William Jennings, and Stewart Hagestad. Whaley’s rapid ascent from NAIA competition to Florida State and now amateur champion showcased his emergence as a prominent figure in competitive amateur golf.
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