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U.S. Amateur Final Four: Who Will Conquer Olympic Club?
photo cred: USGA
photo cred: USGA

Four players remain at Olympic Club. Here’s who they are, what they’ve done to get here, and how the weekend might play out.

Niall Shiels Donegan

Scotland • Age 20 • WAGR #91

Scottish standout and Bay Area resident who thrives in match play. Survived a 20-for-17 playoff just to make the bracket, then knocked off multiple higher seeds to reach the semis. Known for his strategic course management and clutch putting under pressure.

Jackson Herrington

Dickson, Tenn. • Age 19 • WAGR #198

Rising sophomore at the University of Tennessee and 2024 Tennessee Golf Association Player of the Year. Combines length off the tee with an aggressive mindset, often setting the tone early in matches. Won his quarterfinal 4&2 with steady play down the stretch.

Mason Howell

Thomasville, Ga. • Age 18 • WAGR #362

Medalist at the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur and two-time 63-shooter in Final Qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open. Committed to Georgia, he’s been fearless in his first U.S. Amateur, taking out John Daly II in the quarters with steady ball-striking and composure well beyond his years.

Eric Lee

Fullerton, Calif. • Age 20 • WAGR #29

Rising junior at Oklahoma State who delivered the clinching point in the 2025 NCAA Championship. A former AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year and Junior Presidents Cup winner, Lee has match-play pedigree, reaching the U.S. Junior Amateur semifinals in 2022.

Saturday Semifinal Matchups

Niall Shiels Donegan vs. Jackson Herrington

Donegan’s patience and experience against Herrington’s aggressive, momentum-driven game. Tee-to-green consistency could decide this one.

Mason Howell vs. Eric Lee

The fearless newcomer against the proven match-play veteran. Howell’s precision will be tested against Lee’s all-around polish.

Our Picks

  • Donegan over Herrington

    Herrington’s power could overwhelm, but Donegan’s match-play nous and control make him a slight favorite.

  • Lee over Howell

    Howell’s run has been electric, but Lee’s experience at the game’s highest levels gives him the edge.



ABOUT THE US Amateur

The U.S. Amateur, the oldest USGA championship, was first played in 1895 at Newport Golf Club in Rhode Island. The event, which has no age restriction, is open to those with a Handicap Index of .4 (point four) or lower. It is one of 15 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. A new two-stage qualifying process went into effect in 2024, providing exemptions through local qualifying for state amateur champions and top-ranked WAGR playres. See the USGA website for details -- applications are typically placed online in the spring at www.usga.org.

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