Six College Standouts Set for Oakmont: U.S. Open Preview
The 125th U.S. Open Championship tees off June 12–15 at Oakmont Country Club, one of the most iconic and demanding venues in golf. Alongside the world’s top professionals, six current college players have earned the opportunity to compete, each securing their place through standout performances during the 2024–25 season.
Ben James – Virginia James, a junior and returning All-American, was one of the most consistent performers of the 2024–25 season. He led Virginia to an NCAA Championship berth and advanced individually through Final Qualifying at Canoe Brook Country Club in New Jersey, where he carded rounds of 68–66 to secure his U.S. Open debut.
Josele Ballester – Arizona State Ballester earned his place in the field by winning the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship. The Spanish native and junior at Arizona State followed that with a strong 2024–25 season, helping lead the Sun Devils to a T5 finish at the NCAA Championship. His victory at Cherry Hills secured his exemption into the U.S. Open.
George Duangmanee – Virginia A senior for the Cavaliers, Duangmanee wrapped up his college career with a productive final spring, culminating in a tie for second at U.S. Open Final Qualifying in Durham, North Carolina. His 5-under performance earned him a coveted spot in the field at Oakmont.
Jackson Koivun – Auburn Koivun, now a junior, earned PGA Tour membership through the Accelerated PGA Tour University program by accumulating 20 points during the 2024–25 season. He tied for fourth at the 2025 NCAA Championship and was a key contributor to Auburn’s postseason run. The 2023–24 season saw him sweep all major individual honors as a freshman, including the Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus, and Mickelson Awards, while leading Auburn to its first NCAA team title.
Michael La Sasso – Ole Miss La Sasso captured the 2025 NCAA Individual Championship at Omni La Costa, finishing as the top player in the nation’s most prestigious collegiate tournament. The senior from Ole Miss also advanced through Final Qualifying, solidifying his place in the field at Oakmont.
Mason Howell – Georgia (Incoming Freshman) Howell, who graduated high school in spring 2025, committed to play at the University of Georgia. He qualified for the U.S. Open out of Springfield, Ohio, with rounds of 67–68, making him one of the youngest competitors in the field. Howell will begin his collegiate career in Athens this fall.
These six amateurs will now test their games against the best in the world on one of golf’s most storied stages. The 72-hole stroke play format at Oakmont will cut the field to the top 60 and ties after the second round.
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