Who are the youngest players to ever compete in the US Open?
Raymond ReBell (Photo courtesy of Drive, Chip, & Putt)
In a remarkable display of talent and composure, 14-year-old Raymond ReBell from Maryville, Tennessee, has advanced to the final stage of qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open. Competing at the local qualifier held at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville, ReBell shot a 3-under-par 69, tying with four other players for the remaining qualifying spots. He secured his advancement by birdieing the second hole of a sudden-death playoff, becoming the lone amateur to move on from that site.
ReBell's achievement is even more impressive considering the caliber of competition he faced, including seasoned professionals with PGA Tour experience. His performance follows a strong showing at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club, where he finished fourth in the Boys 14-15 division.
“It’s a really big boost in confidence," ReBell told Knoxville's WVLT TV. "it really helps a lot to know that I can win against those players, and it makes me feel just really good."
Should ReBell advance through the final qualifying stage between May 19 and June 2, he would tie the record for the youngest golfer to compete in the U.S. Open, a distinction currently held by Andy Zhang, who played in the 2012 U.S. Open at age 14.
ReBell's rapid ascent in the junior golf ranks is underscored by his consistent performances in various tournaments. In 2023, he secured victories in all three events he entered in the under-14 category and added a win in the 13-15 age group. His participation in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) events further highlights his commitment to competing at the highest levels.
As the final qualifying rounds approach, the golf world watches with anticipation to see if this young prodigy can etch his name into the annals of U.S. Open history.
| Rank | Player | Age at U.S. Open | Year | Notes |
|---|
| 1 | Andy Zhang | 14 years, 183 days | 2012 | Youngest ever to compete in U.S. Open |
| 2 | Beau Hossler | 17 years, 3 months | 2012 | Made cut as an amateur |
| 3 | Joseph Bramlett | 17 years, 10 months | 2002 | Youngest African-American in field |
| 4 | Ty Tryon | 16 years, 9 months | 2000 | Made cut and turned pro soon after |
| 5 | Bo Hoag | 17 years, 11 months | 2006 | Qualified as an amateur |
| 6 | Tadd Fujikawa | 15 years, 5 months | 2006 | Youngest to qualify for U.S. Open at the time |
| 7 | Jordan Spieth | 17 years, 11 months | 2012 | Top amateur at the 2012 event |
| 8 | Spencer Levin | 18 years | 2004 | Top amateur finisher |
| 9 | Matt Parziale | 18 years | 2005 | U.S. Mid-Am champion appearance |
| 10 | Raymond ReBell* | 14 years (pending) | 2025 | Could tie record if he qualifies |
ABOUT THE
U.S. Open Golf Championship
The U.S. Open is the biggest of the 15 national
championships conducted by the USGA.
Open
to amateurs and professionals. Amateurs gain
entry via USGA win or runner-up finishes while having the opportunity
to qualify alongside non-exempt professionals in an 18-hole "Local' qualifying followed
by 36-hole "Final" qualifying which is affectionately known as golf's longest day.
Highly-ranked amateurs will be exempted past the 18-hole Local Qualifying. See the
USGA website for details. And if you are exempt on any level be sure to apply by the deadline anyway.
The USGA intends to make the U.S. Open
the
most rigorous, yet fair, examination of golf
skills, testing all forms of shot-making. The
USGA prepares the course after careful
consideration of 14 different factors.
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