From Newmarket to Oakmont: Tyler Weaver’s US Open Dream Becomes Reality
Amateur Weaver tees it up alongside Koepka in surreal major debut
When Tyler Weaver stepped onto the practice range at Oakmont this week, he wasn’t just surrounded by the world’s best golfers—he was living out a dream that, until recently, had only existed in his imagination. The 20-year-old amateur from Suffolk had just completed a practice round with none other than Brooks Koepka, a two-time US Open champion, and was soaking in every moment of this surreal introduction to major championship golf.
Surreal might not even do it justice. For the young Englishman, who will make his major championship debut on Thursday at one of golf’s toughest venues, the whole experience has been something out of a fairy tale. But make no mistake—he’s not here just to make up the numbers.
Sporting pedigree runs in the family
Weaver hails from a household steeped in sporting tradition. His father, Jason Weaver, was a top flat racing jockey who rode more than 1,000 winners before retiring at the age of 30. His grandfather, Eric Weaver, played professional football for Swindon Town. That competitive spirit has clearly filtered down through the generations, with Tyler now emerging as the latest member of the family to step onto a major sporting stage.
Currently based in the United States, Tyler is making waves at Florida State University, where he’s a key figure in their golf program. It was through this route that he earned his ticket to Oakmont, finishing tied third at a 36-hole US Open qualifier in Atlanta—a performance that not only confirmed his major debut but also underlined the progress he’s making in the game.
“Playing a major has always been a dream of mine,” he said in an interview with BBC Sport. “So to be here, it’s a little bit surreal. But I’m going to go out and compete and do as good as I can.”
Calm under pressure in the qualifier
That qualification wasn’t handed to him—it was earned under serious pressure. With a spot at the US Open on the line and the stakes at their highest, Weaver held his nerve in the closing stages in Atlanta, showing a maturity beyond his years.
“Obviously I was nervous,” he admitted. “Knowing how much each shot meant and what it could lead to. So I just stuck to my processes and I’m just really happy to be here.”
Remaining composed in those moments is a sign that Weaver isn’t just another promising amateur enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. He’s got the tools—and the mindset—to go further.
Brother Max on the bag
Weaver won’t be walking the Oakmont fairways alone. His older brother Max, 22, will be on the bag as his caddie this week, adding another personal layer to what’s already a special week. The brothers grew up playing golf together in Newmarket, and while sibling rivalry was always in play, Max admits Tyler always had something extra.
“We were always playing,” Max said. “And Tyler always seemed to just keep up with me, in whatever it was. His golf swing was always a little bit better than mine. And now he’s even faster than me. So I’m just trying to hunt him down.”
He adds with a laugh, “Younger siblings are annoying, yes. But I couldn’t be prouder. It’s a special week being here.”
Their parents, Jason and Fiona, are also making the trip, walking every hole with their sons and soaking in every moment. “It’s fiercely competitive in the family,” Jason said. “They both picked up a club early. They saw me going out, chopping it around, and they’re much better than I could ever dream of being.”
Soaking in Koepka wisdom
Perhaps the most eye-opening moment of the week so far came when Weaver got the chance to play a practice round with Brooks Koepka, a man who knows better than most what it takes to succeed in a US Open. Both men went to Florida State, and that connection helped set up a round that Weaver won’t soon forget.
“Being out there with him was really special,” he said. “I was asking a lot of questions. He just said a really big thing at US Opens is keeping doubles off the card. He said it takes only one hole to make up for a bogey. But a double bogey is two birdies—and birdies out here are really tough. So that’s a big thing.”
For an amateur making his debut on one of the toughest courses in championship golf, that kind of insight is gold dust.
Backing from the home club
Tyler’s journey to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of the people who believed in him from the start. At the Links Club in Newmarket, members rallied behind their most promising junior, even raising money to help fund his equipment and development. It’s something he hasn’t forgotten.
“It means a lot to me and I just want to thank all those people back at home that have helped me since I was a young kid,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.”
A former English Under-18 champion, Weaver has been making waves in amateur golf for some time now. But there’s something about teeing it up at a US Open—on a course like Oakmont—that signals a whole new level.
The dream is just beginning
Whatever happens this week, it’s already been a moment to remember for Tyler and his family. After months apart, this major championship debut has also doubled as an emotional reunion.
“Obviously making the cut and getting into contention would be great,” Tyler said. “But being out here with my family after being away from them for so long is really special.”
Jason Weaver summed it up best: “We are excited. We’re ready and looking forward to the week. The boys are in great condition. I’m extremely proud, and they’re ready.”
Weaver tees off at 14:31 local time (19:31 BST) on Thursday, with an early Friday start (08:45 local) to follow. He’s already made one dream come true just by getting here. Now he’s got his eyes set on making the most of it. And with his talent, his temperament, and his team around him—don’t bet against him doing just that.
Amateur Weaver practices with Koepka at ‘surreal’ US Open
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