Niall Shiels Donegan
Scotland • Age 20 • WAGR #91
Scottish standout and Bay Area resident who thrives in match play. Survived a 20-for-17 playoff just to make the bracket, then knocked off multiple higher seeds to reach the semis. Known for his strategic course management and clutch putting under pressure.
Jackson Herrington
Dickson, Tenn. • Age 19 • WAGR #198
Rising sophomore at the University of Tennessee and 2024 Tennessee Golf Association Player of the Year. Combines length off the tee with an aggressive mindset, often setting the tone early in matches. Won his quarterfinal 4&2 with steady play down the stretch.
Mason Howell
Thomasville, Ga. • Age 18 • WAGR #362
Medalist at the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur and two-time 63-shooter in Final Qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open. Committed to Georgia, he’s been fearless in his first U.S. Amateur, taking out John Daly II in the quarters with steady ball-striking and composure well beyond his years.
Eric Lee
Fullerton, Calif. • Age 20 • WAGR #29
Rising junior at Oklahoma State who delivered the clinching point in the 2025 NCAA Championship. A former AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year and Junior Presidents Cup winner, Lee has match-play pedigree, reaching the U.S. Junior Amateur semifinals in 2022.
Saturday Semifinal Matchups
Donegan’s patience and experience against Herrington’s aggressive, momentum-driven game. Tee-to-green consistency could decide this one.
The fearless newcomer against the proven match-play veteran. Howell’s precision will be tested against Lee’s all-around polish.
Our Picks
- Donegan over Herrington
Herrington’s power could overwhelm, but Donegan’s match-play nous and control make him a slight favorite.
- Lee over Howell
Howell’s run has been electric, but Lee’s experience at the game’s highest levels gives him the edge.