U.S. Open 2026: Watch 18-year-old phenom Mason Howell out-drive Scottie Scheffler by 14 yards(!)

By

18-year-old Mason Howell looks his age … but appearances can be deceiving. The 2025 U.S. Amateur winner golfer is a stick in both build and skill and proved it during his first-ever U.S. Open round on Thursday. Paired with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Howell—11 years Scheffler’s junior—unleashed a monster drive on the par-4 third hole. Scheffler’s salvo traveled an impressive 370 yards, but Howell wasn’t intimidated, replying with a 384-yard rocket that threatened to punch a hole in the overcast sky. The floor is yours, kid.

RELATED: 40 interesting facts about the record-tying 20 amateurs competing at Shinnecock Hills

Just a day after the USGA announced plans to delay golf-ball rollback until 2030, this is sure to ruffle a few traditionalist feathers. A 18-year-old bombing it nearly four-hundo at a U.S. Open? SIN, HERESY, WITCHCRAFT! But Scheffler, who hasn’t even sniffed the other side of the hill at 29-years-old, would be the first to admit they’re all starting from a level playing field. In this case, the elasticity of youth (and perhaps a fortuitous gust of wind) made the difference.

At the end of the week, our money is still on Scheffler despite his (relative) struggles this season, but this highlight is proof Howell isn’t overmatched playing against the big dogs, at least not physically. And soon enough, perhaps in a decade with a major title or two to his name, Howell will find himself in Scheffler’s spikes, being outdriven by some young gun at a U.S. Open. That’s just the circle of life.

MORE GOLF DIGEST U.S. OPEN COVERAGE

U.S. Open 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions

How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open

First and second round tee times at Shinnecock Hills

Power Rankings: Every player in the U.S. Open field, ranked

Video: Every hole at Shinnecock Hills

Why can’t the USGA get Shinnecock Hills right? Our interactive guide explains

What’s a ‘good’ shot at Shinnecock? The difference between our editos and tour average

Breaking down Scottie Scheffler’s chances to complete the career Grand Slam

Every chip shot you’ll see at Shinnecock Hills, explained

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com