The Sooner amateur shattered a 50-year drought at Shinnecock Hills, surging past the world's elite to seize the solo lead in a stunning major championship debut
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. - No amateur has sat atop the leaderboard of the U.S. Open in the last 50 years, but that all changed on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills, as Oklahoma’s Ryder Cowan is currently in first place at 3-under through 10 holes.
The rising senior for the Sooners reached 3-under after birdieing the par-3 17th hole and was the outright leader in his very first major championship start.
He earned his way into the field through final qualifying, and he’s making the absolute most of the opportunity early on.
Cowan is a product of Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond, the same high school that produced NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. He won two individual state titles in high school and came into college as the No. 7 ranked prospect in the country.
His home course is the legendary Oak Tree National in Edmond, which will host the 2027 U.S. Senior Open.
At Oklahoma, Cowan has developed into one of the best players in college golf. He’s a two-time All-American, including a second-team selection this past season, and was a Haskins Award finalist, which is basically the Heisman Trophy of college golf.
During his junior year, he picked up two big wins, including the loaded Valspar Collegiate Invitational. He finished the year ranked 14th nationally in the NCAA rankings and finished tied for 28th at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship earlier this month.
This week marks Cowan’s first-ever start in a major championship. He’s one of just 20 amateurs in the entire field, and he’s already making noise on one of the toughest courses in golf.
Heading into his senior season, he’s also in strong position to contend for a PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour University pathway.
Cowan has been on big stages before. Back in 2019, he competed in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National as a kid. Now he’s playing on another iconic course as a college standout, and he’s showing he belongs.
Cowan is a true homegrown talent, getting to compete at the highest level and is holding his own against the best players in the world.
Whether he stays at the top or not, this is a huge experience for Cowan. Playing in his first major as an amateur and showing that kind of poise is impressive. Sooner fans have a lot of reason to be proud.
Ryder Cowan is representing Oklahoma extremely well in American golf's national championship.
Keep an eye on him this week, as he makes the cut, as well as what he does heading into his senior season in Norman.
