ARDMORE, Pa. (AP) — Holding back tears while holding the U.S. Amateur championship trophy, Jack Whaley’s thoughts drifted to his father’s constant support and their endless rounds of golf together, which ultimately persuaded a talented teen who was nearly ready to walk away from the sport to persevere for a brighter future.
Having his father act as his caddie, Whaley validated Andy Whaley’s boundless faith by securing the most significant triumph of his career at Merion, sealing the victory with a warm embrace that marked a spectacular turnaround for a career that once appeared likely to wither away back in England.
“We can finally share in each other’s joy as we walk off the course,” remarked Whaley.
Despite sporting two gloves, managing an umbrella, and suffering a wasp sting on a soggy day at Merion Golf Club, Whaley overcame every obstacle to complete an outstanding run, ultimately defeating Jay Leng Jr. to claim the U.S. Amateur title on Sunday.
It might be wise for Whaley to hold onto that wet-weather gear.
The 22-year-old English golfer is now poised to enjoy the extensive rewards that accompany amateur golf’s most prestigious title.
As the clouds broke over the saturated fairways, Whaley rolled in a birdie on his last hole to seal a 4-and-3 victory in the 36-hole championship match, immediately embracing his father and caddie. His mother quickly rushed onto the green to complete the family huddle while Andy held onto the iconic wicker-basket flag.
“Everything just fell into place this week,” Andy Whaley reflected. “There’s no real explanation for it. I’m not sure how.”
Clutching the Havemeyer Trophy, his son wept openly and credited his triumph to his father, who remained steadfastly supportive even during Jack’s difficult teenage years marked by missed cuts.
“On our journey back, I looked at the trophy with my father and saw some of the legendary figures engraved on it,” Whaley admitted following his success. “It’s hard to believe my name will now be listed alongside such iconic players.”
Whaley experienced a swift ascent from a standout player in the NAIA to Florida State, and now to national amateur champion. The collegiate senior has earned invitations to the 2027 U.S. Open and the 2027 Open Championship at St. Andrews, in addition to the Masters, provided he maintains his amateur status. He competed in his Florida State cap and team gear throughout the final match.
By winning the seventh iteration of the U.S. Amateur played at Merion, Whaley became the first champion from England since Matt Fitzpatrick triumphed at Brookline in 2013.
He overcame a wasp sting on the fourth hole during the afternoon round to mount his championship comeback. Leng, a Stanford University junior, had established a 2-up lead after the opening 18 holes following bogeys by both competitors on the par-5 final hole during a blustery, cloudy morning session.
Whaley indicated the exact area on his right ankle where the insect bit him, noting that the pain persisted intensely for the subsequent two holes.
“I actually had to extract the stinger myself,” Whaley recalled with a chuckle.
Perhaps that specific wasp stinger will find its own place in Merion lore eventually.
The U.S. Amateur shares a deep connection with the legacy of Merion. A stone marker situated near the 11th tee celebrates one of the sport’s most legendary landmarks.
It was at this very spot that Bobby Jones defeated Eugene Homans 8 and 7 in their 36-hole match, securing the sport’s historic and singular calendar-year Grand Slam by claiming the U.S. Amateur title.
Additionally, a plaque commemorates Ben Hogan’s legendary 1-iron approach on the 18th hole during the 1950 U.S. Open.
“Joining the ranks of such celebrated historical figures is an incredible privilege,” Whaley expressed.
Earlier, Aaron Rai had similarly worn a pair of gloves during his PGA Championship win at nearby Aronimink Golf Club, an approach that Whaley adopted months afterward.
Whaley decided to make the adjustment after losing his grip in the downpour on the sixth hole, causing his shot to fly out of bounds.
“It appeared to help, so I stuck with it,” Whaley noted.
Future tournaments scheduled for Merion include the U.S. Open in 2030, 2040, and 2050, as well as the U.S. Women’s Open in 2034 and 2046.
Currently, Whaley occupies the 90th spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, whereas Leng is positioned at 23rd.
Nevertheless, Leng receives excellent rewards as the runner-up. He secured a place on the 2026 American Walker Cup squad, alongside invitations to next year’s Masters and U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, assuming his amateur status is preserved.
Rounding out the other five selections for the Walker Cup squad are Kihei Akina, Ryder Cowan, Josiah Gilbert, William Jennings, and Stewart Hagestad.
“This proves that I can hold my own against the elite,” Leng remarked. “To be honest, I can go head-to-head with anybody. I am excited to discover what the future holds.”
