It has been 50 years since any amateur has led after a round at the U.S. Open, but at least for a point during Thursday at Shinnecock Hills, Ryder Cowan was alone on top of the leaderboard.
The rising senior at Oklahoma reached 3 under following his birdie on the par-3 17th hole and was the solo leader in his first major championship start. Cowan, 21, advanced through final qualifying to earn his spot in the field this week, and he’s making the most of it early.
But who is Ryder Cowan?
Cowan graduated from Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond, Oklahoma, the same high school that NBA All-Star Blake Griffin attended. He won two individual state championships in high school and was the No. 7 prospect in the country coming into college. His home course is Oak Tree National in Edmond, which hosts the 2027 U.S. Senior Open.
He’s a two-time All-American at Oklahoma, including a second-team selection this season. He was also a Haskins finalist this season, the college golf version of the Heisman Trophy.
During his junior season, Cowan has two victories, including the loaded Valspar Collegiate. He finished the year ranked 14th in the NCAA golf rankings and finished T-28 at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship earlier this month.
This week is Cowan’s first major championship start. He’s one of 20 amateurs in the field. Heading into his senior season, he’s going to be in contention for a PGA Tour card via PGA Tour University.
He also participated in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals in 2019 at Augusta National, where he finished as runner-up in his age division.
Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).
