Tyler Weaver Books US Open Spot as Fowler and Homa Fall Short

English Amateur Tyler Weaver Qualifies for Oakmont While Big Names Miss Out on Golf’s Longest Day

The path to the US Open is rarely smooth, but for English amateur Tyler Weaver, Monday was the day his golfing dreams took flight. The 22-year-old earned his place at one of the sport’s most prestigious events after surviving the nerve-shredding test known as ‘golf’s longest day’—a 36-hole marathon played at ten venues across the US and Canada. While Weaver was one of just three amateurs to punch his ticket to Oakmont, others—big names included—saw their hopes dashed in dramatic fashion.

Among those left heartbroken were US PGA Tour regulars Rickie Fowler and Max Homa. Both fell agonisingly short in a five-man play-off at the Columbus, Ohio qualifier, with fellow American Cameron Young claiming the final available spot there.

For Weaver, however, it was a day to remember. Representing the England Golf men’s squad, he posted an impressive 11-under across two rounds at the Atlanta Athletic Club, tying for third to secure one of the qualifying spots on offer. It means he’ll tee it up at Oakmont from 12–15 June for his major championship debut.

A Day of Drama and Opportunity

Qualifying for the US Open is a test of endurance, patience, and resilience, and Monday’s events provided all three in abundance. Forty-seven places were up for grabs across the continent, as golfers chased their US Open dreams over two rounds in a single day. For professionals and amateurs alike, it was a grueling but golden opportunity.

In Atlanta, the headlines belonged to 17-year-old Mason Howell, who led the field with a superb performance. Weaver, though, wasn’t far behind, producing two consistent rounds under pressure to claim his place among the elite. It marked a significant achievement for the Suffolk-born player, who now gets the chance to test himself against the best on one of golf’s most challenging stages.

Big Names Fall Short in Columbus

The most high-profile action unfolded in Columbus, Ohio, where a host of PGA Tour regulars were in action. Erik van Rooyen of South Africa topped the leaderboard there, comfortably securing his place at Oakmont. But the real drama came late in the day as five players found themselves locked in a play-off for the final qualifying spot.

Fowler and Homa were among them, both hoping to salvage their week with a late flourish. Homa, notably, carried his own bag all day after recently parting ways with his caddie—a choice that meant 38 holes of lugging clubs on a hot Ohio day. In the end, it wasn’t enough. Cameron Young emerged victorious from the play-off, denying both Fowler and Homa a return to major championship golf.

It was a particularly cruel blow for Fowler, who has had a mixed run of form in recent years, and for Homa, who despite his world No. 90 ranking, remains a player with undeniable talent and flair.

Wallace and Olesen Among the European Success Stories

English Amateur Tyler Weaver Qualifies for Oakmont While Big Names Miss Out on Golf’s Longest Day

Europe wasn’t without its representatives either. England’s Matt Wallace produced a rock-solid performance at the qualifier in Ontario, Canada, finishing at seven under par to take one of the seven spots available. He was joined by Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, another seasoned professional looking to make a splash on US soil.

Both players will now head to Pennsylvania with momentum and experience on their side, hoping to contend at a venue renowned for punishing mistakes and rewarding mental strength.

McCormick, Leishman and an Amateur Break Through in Maryland

At Woodmont Country Club in Maryland, two early qualifiers emerged in Americans Ryan McCormick and Trevor Cone. But it was the play-off that stole the headlines, where veteran Australian Marc Leishman and American amateur Bryan Lee held their nerve to claim the final two spots. For Lee, it was a breakthrough moment, showcasing the rising strength of amateur golf on the biggest stage.

Poulter Jr. and McDowell in Contention in Weather-Hit Florida

Not all of Monday’s drama could be resolved in a single day. At the West Palm Beach venue in Florida, bad weather brought play to a halt, with several players still in the hunt for qualification when the storm hit. Among them was Luke Poulter—son of Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Poulter—who sat in fourth place after an opening-round 69.

With four spots on offer at that venue, Poulter Jr. is well-placed to make a name for himself if he can hold his nerve when play resumes. Also in the mix is 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell, who opened with a solid 70. His compatriot, Tom McKibbin, wasn’t so fortunate and saw his US Open hopes end early.

From Caddie to Contender: The Story of Matt Vogt

Perhaps the most heartwarming tale of the day came out of Washington state. Matt Vogt, a former caddie at Oakmont and now a practising dentist in Indianapolis, rolled back the years to secure one of two qualifying spots. Vogt’s journey from carrying clubs at Oakmont to competing in the US Open there is the stuff of fairytales—a reminder that in golf, anything is possible on the day.

Looking Ahead to Oakmont

With the field for the 124th US Open beginning to take shape, attention now turns to Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. One of America’s most storied and demanding layouts, Oakmont has hosted more US Opens than any other venue and remains a stern test of precision and patience.

For Tyler Weaver and the other successful qualifiers, the hard work is far from over. But for now, there’s time to savour a moment that will live long in the memory. To come through such a tough qualifying system speaks volumes about their mental and physical resilience—and they’ve earned their chance to walk alongside the very best.

From amateurs finding their feet to professionals chasing redemption, ‘golf’s longest day’ delivered as it always does: with drama, emotion, and stories that remind us why this game captivates us so deeply. The road to the US Open isn’t easy—but for those who make it, every step is worth it.