Cameron Young

Cameron Young was born on May 7, 1997, in Scarborough, New York. Golf was in his blood from the very beginning, as his father David Young is the longtime head professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, one of the most prestigious clubs in the New York metropolitan area. Growing up surrounded by the game, Cameron had access to world-class facilities and the guidance of a father who understood both the technical and mental demands of competitive golf. He spent countless hours on the practice range and course, developing a powerful, athletic swing that would become his calling card.

Young attended Sleepy Hollow High School, where he was a standout golfer, before enrolling at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. The Demon Deacons have a storied golf tradition, having produced Arnold Palmer among other notable players. At Wake Forest, Young developed his game significantly under the coaching staff and competed against top collegiate players. He earned All-ACC honors and helped the team compete at the highest level of college golf before turning professional.

After a brief stint on the Korn Ferry Tour, Young earned his PGA Tour card and burst onto the scene during the 2021-22 season in spectacular fashion. His rookie campaign was highlighted by six runner-up finishes, an extraordinary display of consistent excellence that demonstrated he belonged among the game's elite. He led the Tour in driving distance, regularly bombing drives well past 300 yards, and his fearless approach to scoring made him must-watch television. He finished the season by earning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.

Young's most notable early performance came at the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews, where he finished in solo second place behind Cameron Smith. Playing links golf for one of the first times in his career, Young showed remarkable adaptability, shaping shots in the Scottish wind and demonstrating a short game touch that complemented his length off the tee. The near-miss at the Home of Golf signaled that major championship victories were likely in his future.

The 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons saw Young continue to develop as a player. While the elusive first PGA Tour victory proved difficult to secure amidst his many close calls, Young's talent was undeniable. He remained one of the longest hitters in professional golf and gradually improved his putting and short game, the areas that separated him from victory on multiple occasions. His Ryder Cup selection in 2023 at Marco Simone in Italy was recognition of his standing among America's best golfers.

Young's playing style is defined by his extraordinary power and aggressive course management. His driver swing speed exceeds 185 miles per hour, placing him among the longest hitters on tour. But Young is more than just a bomber; his iron play from long distances is remarkably accurate, allowing him to take advantage of his length by hitting shorter clubs into greens. He plays a high ball flight that generates significant stopping power, particularly useful on firm, fast courses.

His swing is a model of modern power golf: a wide takeaway, a full shoulder turn, and an explosive downswing that generates tremendous clubhead speed through the hitting zone. Young's athletic build and flexibility allow him to create leverage that many of his competitors cannot match. His pre-shot routine is efficient, and he plays at a pace that keeps him in rhythm throughout a round.

Young's mental approach to the game has matured considerably since his rookie season. The experience of multiple runner-up finishes, which might have frustrated some players, has instead given him a deep reservoir of big-moment experience. He has spoken about the lessons learned from those close finishes and the importance of staying patient while continuing to put himself in contention. His father's influence as both a golf professional and a parent has provided a steady foundation.

Off the course, Young maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of his peers. He is known as a thoughtful and grounded individual who values his family connections and his roots in New York golf. He has participated in junior golf clinics and has been supportive of initiatives to grow the game among young players.

Cameron Young represents the future of American professional golf. His combination of elite power, improving all-around skills, and competitive temperament suggest that his breakthrough victories are a matter of when, not if. As he enters the prime years of his career, the golfing world expects Young to convert his immense talent into major championship success.