Mason Howell of
Brookwood (Thomasville, Ga.) will tee it up next week at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club starting June 9 after surviving "Golf's Longest Day."
The 17-year-old junior, who is committed to the University of Georgia, shot back-to-back 63s on Monday to tie for medalist honors at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, Ga. He bested a field that also included pros Zach Johnson, K.J. Choi and Jason Dufner.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous," Howell said on Golf Channel. "Hugging my mom and my dad walking off 18 green, just a feeling I don't know I'll feel again, but that was one of the greatest moments of my life."
Howell is one of 47 to qualify for the U.S. Open across the country at eight different locations. He was among the most intriguing storylines on Monday and joins others like amateur like Matt Vogt, a full-time dentist from Indianapolis, seeking the dream of winning the American championship.
In May, Howell led Brookwood to its fourth GIAA Class AAA golf title in five years, earning medalist honors with a 67 as the Warriors carded a team score of 275.
On Monday, Howell went out in 31 in the early round with five birdies on the front nine and came in with four more birdies on the back.
In the afternoon round, he carded a 32-31 that again featured nine birdies. He did not bogey a hole all day.
