Emotional Whaley credits father for US Amateur triumph

Jack Whaley, a 22-year-old from Doncaster, defeated American Jay Leng Jr 4&3 in the final to become only the third Englishman to win the US Amateur Championship. His father Andy caddied for him throughout the tournament at Merion.

The win earns Whaley places in next year's Masters and US Open, as well as The Open at St Andrews in 2027. He also secured an automatic spot on the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, which faces the United States on 5-6 September at Lahinch, Ireland.

Family support

Speaking to BBC Sport after his win, Whaley said the achievement is likely the best thing he and his father will ever experience together. His father jokingly told him afterwards that he was now 'retired' as a caddie, finishing 'one for one'. Whaley reflected on the sacrifices his father made, including working extensively to fund his golf lessons and tournament travel while he was growing up.

The path to the title was far from smooth. Whaley missed the cut at the same event a year earlier and entered this tournament ranked 90th in the world amateur golf rankings. His father had originally planned to fly home before the weekend and even had sightseeing plans, but had to change his flight and extend his stay after Whaley kept winning matches.

On his way to the final, Whaley beat Jackson Ormond, Bowen Mauss, Christian Cavaliere, Adam Bresnu and Carter Loflin. Following his victory, he received congratulations from former US Open champions Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, whose brother Alex had also caddied for him during his own US Amateur win at Brookline.