Overview

• On Golf’s Subpar podcast, Howell called playing alongside Rory McIlroy a “full-circle” moment, recalling a ball McIlroy handed him at the 2016 Tour Championship.
• By Masters tradition, the U.S. Amateur champion plays the first two rounds with the defending winner; McIlroy captured the 2025 title to complete the career Grand Slam.
• His U.S. Amateur victory grants exemptions into the 2026 Masters, U.S. Open and The Open, contingent on him retaining amateur status.
• The USGA named Howell to the 10-man USA Walker Cup team for the Sept. 6–7 matches at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach.
• At 18, he became the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion, and earlier qualified for the 2025 U.S. Open with consecutive bogey‑free 63s before missing the cut.