Jack Whaley, the 22‑year‑old from Doncaster, became only the third Englishman to win the US Amateur Championship on Sunday, beating American Jay Leng Jr 4&3 in the final. With his dad Andy caddying, the moment felt like a family triumph.

The victory earned Whaley a place in the 2027 Masters, US Open and The Open at St Andrews, and an automatic berth in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team that will face the United States at Lahinch in September. He reflected on the emotional embrace and victory speech at Merion, noting how the experience will be remembered for a long time.

Whaley had missed the cut a year earlier and sat 90th in the world amateur rankings, but victories over Jackson Ormond, Bowen Mauss, Christian Cavaliere, Adam Bresnu and Carter Loflin kept his dad on his toes, forcing travel changes and an extended stay in the US.

After the win, Whaley received congratulations from former English US Open champions, including a Facetime from Justin Rose and calls from Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex. He thanked his dad for the support and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the win has opened.