STATEN ISLAND N.Y. (June 16, 2026) Emil Nielsen of Wellesley, Massachusetts led a field of 12 players who qualified to go to the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club. Nielsen recorded an eagle on the 7th hole and 5 birdies on the back nine to log in a 3-under par 69 at Richmond County Country Club.
Related: Results
Matthew Cowgill of Weston, Massachusetts came in right behind with a score of 2-under par 70. He had an eagle and a birdie on the front nine followed by a birdie on the back nine. Jack Estrella of Brookville, New York and Ryan Burrill of Newington, Connecticut rounded out the podium and where the only other golfers finishing under-par.
Joseph Guterding of Baldwin, New York also secured his spot with an impressive run in the front nine with three birdies and an eagle, finishing the front with a 30. He ended the day with a 1-over par 73.  Â
There was a 5-player playoff after the round was completed to determine the final three qualifying spots for the championship. Joseph Dolezal of Old Westbury, New York, Charles Nevin of Locust Valley, New York, and Padruig Douglas of Cold Spring Harbor, New York solidified their spots after each recording a birdie on the first hole of the playoff.Â
The 126th U.S. Amateur Championship will be held at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, P.A. The tournament will take place from Monday, August 10th – Sunday, August 16th.
