Score tracker from Thursday’s Round 1

The beauty of golf’s U.S. Open Championship is that anyone can play their way into this particular major through qualifying, regardless of age. That’s how Mason Howell wound up becoming the youngest member of the 2025 field at Oakmont Country Club.

Howell won’t turn 18 until later this month, but the rising high school senior and University of Georgia commit will test himself alongside the world’s best at the 125th U.S. Open beginning with Thursday’s first round. His presence on the course this week, which included practice rounds with Georgia alum Harris English, is a bit of a surprise.  

Howell, who lives in Thomasville, Georgia, is currently ranked No. 470 in the World Amateur rankings, but it is perhaps due to go up after his success in U.S. Open qualifying. Howell shot a 7-under 64 last month to get through local U.S. Open qualifying at Hawkstone Country Club in Gainesville, Georgia. He then shot 18-under over 36 holes in the final U.S. Open qualifying at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, outperforming several PGA Tour veterans trying to make the U.S. Open field.

His reward was a coveted spot in what many consider the toughest major on the golf calendar. Howell has a Thursday morning tee time starting from Oakmont’s 10th hole to begin the first round, and he’ll play in a group with Joakim Langergren and Chris Gotterup.

USA TODAY Sports will be tracking how Howell does as he begins his quest to make the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open. Follow along here:

What time does Mason Howell tee off: US Open start time

Mason Howell will be in the 8:46 a.m. grouping off No. 10 alongside Joakim Langergren and Chris Gotterup.

• Tee time Thursday: 8:46 a.m. (10) – Joakim Langergren, Mason Howell (a), Chris Gotterup

Mason Howell US Open score, results

This section will be updated as play begins.