U.S. Amateur Champ Holes Out For Incredible Albatross

If you thought Luke Poulter’s hole-in-one was going to be the only highlight of Walker Cup week, think again.

Just 24 hours after Poulter made headlines for an ace during his practice round, Team USA’s 18-year-old phenom Mason Howell delivered a jaw-dropping moment of his own — and then some. Howell, fresh off his U.S. Amateur triumph just three weeks ago, made albatross on the par-5 second hole at Cypress Point during Friday’s practice round.

The Georgia high school senior pulled a 6-iron from 237 yards out, launched it toward the front of the green, and watched it take a dreamy roll right to left — slamming the flagstick and dropping straight in.

“It landed right on the front of the green and kind of rolled a little right to left and kind of slammed the flag and went in,” Howell recounted with the kind of composure that almost undersells the moment.

Monster Shot on a Tough Course at Cypress Point

Cypress Point, a classic Alister MacKenzie gem that dates back to 1928, is playing firm, fast, and treacherous at just over 6,600 yards for the 50th edition of the Walker Cup. With uniquely sloped greens and swirling coastal winds, it’s more a test of precision than power.

Still, after Poulter holed out for eagle on Thursday’s first hole and played his opening three holes in 5 under, and now Howell pulling off a once-in-a-career albatross on Friday — we’re getting serious signals: this course is ripe for fireworks.

“This golf course, there are definitely some birdies out there, but it’ll bite you just as fast,” Howell added, noting the firming conditions will challenge players in more ways than just distance.

But make no mistake — if this is the kind of show the practice rounds are delivering, the weekend is shaping up to be must-watch amateur golf.