Jackson Herrington Eyes U.S. Amateur Redemption After 2025 Runner-Up Finish

Jackson Herrington returns to the U.S. Amateur with one clear goal: win the championship.

The Tennessee golfer, affectionately known as “Fridge,” arrives at this year’s tournament with more experience, greater confidence and unfinished business. After reaching the championship match last year, Herrington wants to take the final step and claim the coveted U.S. Amateur title.

Last summer, Herrington and his father, Greg, shared the same daily joke while driving to the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Greg would remind his son how many more matches he needed to win to earn invitations to the 2026 Masters and U.S. Open.

At the time, simply improving on his previous U.S. Amateur performance was the main objective.

Herrington’s Remarkable U.S. Amateur Run

Herrington entered the 2025 U.S. Amateur hoping to advance beyond the Round of 32, where his run had ended the previous year. Instead, he produced an outstanding performance and reached the championship match.

His run included a dramatic semifinal victory over Niall Shiels Donegan. Herrington held a two-hole advantage with three holes remaining, but Donegan won the 16th and 17th holes to level the match.

Herrington responded with a birdie on the 18th hole to secure the victory and reach the championship.

Although Mason Howell ultimately defeated him in the final, Herrington’s runner-up finish came with major rewards. It earned him opportunities to compete in both the 2026 Masters and U.S. Open.

Now, however, his mindset is different.

“I think for me, it’s really, I’m kind of sick and tired of losing, to be honest,” Herrington said.

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Jackson Herrington Wants the Trophy

The U.S. Amateur is an exhausting seven-day competition featuring 162 holes. The 312-player field begins with two stroke-play rounds, one at Philadelphia Country Club and another at Merion Golf Club.

Only 64 players advance to match play. From there, the tournament becomes a demanding test of consistency and mental strength, eventually culminating in a 36-hole championship match.

Herrington understands the challenge better than most competitors because he experienced the entire journey last year.

He survived a 20-hole battle against Caleb Bond in the Round of 16 before defeating Donegan in the semifinals. Those experiences could prove valuable as he attempts another deep run.

This time, Herrington isn’t satisfied with simply reaching the final.

“I don’t want to leave there without that big gold trophy,” he said.

Masters and U.S. Open Motivation

Herrington’s 2026 major championship appearances provided valuable experience, even though neither tournament produced the result he wanted.

The Dickson, Tennessee, native missed the cut at the Masters by four strokes and the U.S. Open by five. Those disappointments have become another source of motivation.

Herrington believes he belongs among the world’s best amateur golfers and wants another opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stages.

“A thing that kind of motivates me, that I think about sometimes, is I didn’t make the cut of the majors, and I know I’m good enough to,” Herrington said. “So, I think, getting back there and showing why I’m one of the best in the world.”

A strong performance at the U.S. Amateur could once again put him in position to qualify for major championships.

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New Swing Coach Adds Confidence

Herrington also enters the tournament with an important change to his game.

Following the U.S. Open, he parted ways with his longtime swing coach because he felt he had “plateaued a little bit.” He subsequently worked with Jason Birnbaum before teaming up with Sean Foley.

The relationship with Foley quickly developed into a positive one.

“It felt like it was a pretty instant connection, and we hit it off,” Herrington said.

The early signs of the swing changes appeared during the Western Amateur. After opening with a 3-over 74, Herrington responded with an impressive 5-under 66.

He said the second-round range session gave him a level of control over his golf ball that he had not experienced in a long time.

Herrington Ready for Another Deep Run

Since the Western Amateur, Herrington has devoted extensive time to preparing for the U.S. Amateur. He has spent more than six hours on the range on many days, focusing on yardages and improving consistency with every club.

He has also remained in regular contact with Foley, exchanging videos and messages to make sure his swing remains on track.

Now, with a year of U.S. Amateur experience behind him and a new coaching partnership strengthening his preparation, Herrington believes he is ready.

His objective is no longer simply to advance.

He wants to win.

“Golf’s a funny game, but I know I’ve put in the time and effort, so now it’s time to watch it pay off,” Herrington said.