Jack Whaley wins US Amateur Championship

Jack Whaley became the third Englishman in history to win the US Amateur Championship, defeating American Jay Leng Jr. 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. The 22-year-old from Rotherham, who studies at Florida State University, secured the victory on the 33rd hole with a birdie putt on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Whaley, ranked 90th in the world amateur rankings, trailed Leng by two holes after the morning round. He staged a dramatic comeback after the lunch break, winning four of the first five holes in the afternoon session to seize control. Despite a disruptive wasp sting on the 22nd hole that left his ankle throbbing, Whaley maintained his advantage and closed out the match.

"Something was just working for me out there, even with the wasp," Whaley said. "I looked down and there it was. I had to pull the stinger out, but I just kept focusing on the next shot."

The tournament, held from August 10 to 16, 2026, required Whaley to navigate a challenging path to the final. He survived a 16-man playoff to qualify for the match play bracket and then won six consecutive matches, including a 22-hole opening contest against Jackson Ormond.