Follow us on Google Discover Jack Whaley’s life changed in just one tournament.
He was far from a favorite to win the US Amateur at Merion, but the 22-year-old became the second Englishman since 1911 to win amateur golf’s biggest prize.
By doing so, Whaley earned a place in the field at The Masters, the US Open and The Open Championship in 2027, and he’ll play at some of the most iconic venues in world golf. Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St Andrews are waiting.
It gets better for Whaley. Traditionally, the winner of the US Amateur is grouped with the reigning Masters champion at Augusta, so he can expect a tee time with Rory McIlroy at his first ever major championship.
And Whaley knows exactly how he’s going to approach this meeting with McIlroy.
Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty ImagesJack Whaley says what he plans to ask Rory McIlroy at The Masters
Whaley is going to have the season of his life next year, playing the major championship schedule of any golfer’s dreams.
The Doncaster-born amateur says he’s excited for the opportunity to play at Pebble Beach for the very first time. Speaking to the Golf Channel, he said, “I played St Andrews quite a few times, but never been over to Pebble Beach, so it’s going to be really good to get out there and play.
“It’s going to be a great experience. I think I picked a good year to win it, so I’m really proud of myself.”
The opportunity to play alongside McIlroy is priceless, and one Whaley looks to make the most of at Augusta National: “It’s going to be a huge honor to play with Rory. I’ve always looked up to him when I was younger, playing golf.
“I never thought this would ever happen, but I’m going to pick his brain a little bit, and hopefully he’s willing to give me some advice.
“It would be nice to have it from a previous Masters champion and a successful golfer.”
The messages Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus sent to Jack Whaley after US Amateur win
And as if things weren’t going well enough for Whaley, he also received messages from both Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus after winning the US Amateur.
Woods posted to Instagram: “Congrats to @jackwhaley_golf on winning the U.S. Am at Merion. An incredible accomplishment and a special place to make history.”
Nicklaus followed with a lengthy statement on his Instagram, posting, “Some Jacks like collecting trophies!
“On June 1, 2025, I met Jack Whaley for the first time when I presented him with the Jack Nicklaus Award as the top collegiate golfer in NAIA. Just 14 months later, I’m thrilled to congratulate Jack on winning the Havemeyer Trophy, arguably the most revered prize in amateur golf.
“Well done, @jackwhaley_golf, on winning the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship! Last June, as the final round of the @memorialgolf was getting underway, Jack sat on the dais with 4 other Nicklaus Award winners, proud and grateful for his two years at NAIA Dalton State, and announced that he was transferring to Florida State. Now, he is the first Seminole in history to win the U.S. Amateur!
“Throughout this last week at Merion, Jack proudly wore his @fsumensgolf Seminoles gear, right down to his FSU bag and headcovers. Even better was seeing him surrounded by the people who helped him get there Sunday — his family, with father Andy on the bag; FSU Coach Trey Jones; and Dalton State Coach Ben Rickett, who was with Jack at the Memorial a year ago (photo above of the 2 coaches).
“I watched a lot of Sunday’s 36-hole final, and what a beautiful golf swing Jack has! Just as impressive was his demeanor. To be two down after 18 holes to World No. 23 Jay Leng Jr., and then come back to win 4 and 3, at a great golf course like Merion GC, for the U.S. Amateur title, is a tremendous story!
“Jack, I’m very happy for you! From receiving the Nicklaus Award to winning the Havemeyer Trophy in a year, you have come a long way in a very short time. Best wishes, Jack, for what I’m sure will be a very bright future!”
An endorsement from the most successful golfer to ever play is the highest praise of all. Whaley could well have a bright future ahead of him!
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