It was very much a family affair for Jack Whaley as he became only the third Englishman to triumph in the US Amateur Championship on Sunday.
The 22-year-old from Doncaster had his dad Andy caddying for him as he beat American Jay Leng Jr 4&3 in the final.
As a result, Whaley earned a place in the fields for the Masters, US Open and The Open at St Andrews in 2027, and an automatic berth in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team that will take on the United States at Lahinch in Ireland on 5 and 6 September.
But years of being supported on his golf journey, by his father in particular, and the emotional embrace and victory speech at Merion suggested this moment will take some topping for Whaley.
“It’s probably the best thing and me and my dad will probably ever experience together,” Whaley told BBC Sport.
“He said to me yesterday, ‘right, I’m retired now, I’m one for one’. And we all thought it was hilarious. I don’t think he’ll caddie again, but I think he’ll definitely remember this one and I will for a very, very long time.
“He was just telling me that he was just very proud and we’ve done really well to get it this far and there’s no reason why it couldn’t be me that could win – and I think he’s the one that really kept me going.”
Having missed the cut at the same event 12 months ago and sitting 90th in the world amateur golf rankings, Whaley’s success was far from guaranteed.
Victories over Jackson Ormond, Bowen Mauss, Christian Cavaliere, Adam Bresnu and Carter Loflin prior to Sunday, ensured his dad was forced to alter his travel plans and extend his stay in the United States.
“It’s been a bumpy ride, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. We’re here now, so it’s great. It is a fantastic achievement,” said Whaley.
“Obviously we’ve not had good good results in the past, and he was due to go home on Saturday.
“I think he was expecting to do some sightseeing and go to Washington towards the end of the week if I missed the cut. On Friday night, we had to change his flight and get the car extended for an extra couple of days.”
