Oklahoma State University’s Ethan Fang has made history by becoming the first American in 18 years to win the prestigious Amateur Championship, triumphing over Ireland’s Gavin Tiernan in a dramatic final at Royal St George’s.

In what was his first-ever visit to the British Isles, the 20-year-old Texan showed remarkable composure in a high-pressure showdown, eventually clinching victory with a stunning birdie on the 36th hole to become the 19th American to lift the title in its 130-year history.

Final Drama at Royal St George’s

The match reached its crescendo as Tiernan, roared on by a partisan home crowd, birdied the penultimate hole to level the score. Fang, representing Oklahoma State University, was facing intense pressure — yet responded with a moment of brilliance on the final hole.

Both players found the fairway at the iconic 18th, but it was Fang who seized the initiative. His approach cleverly utilised a slope to nestle the ball just six feet from the pin — a shot worthy of the occasion. Tiernan, meanwhile, pulled his approach long and left, and although his lag putt was respectable, Fang held his nerve and rolled in the birdie putt to seal the title.

“You know, it sounds great,” Fang said when asked how it felt to be called The Amateur Champion.

“That was probably one of the longest days of golf I've ever played. But it feels really good to come out on top.”

From Plano to Portrush: A Life-Changing Win

The victory not only secures Fang’s place in the history books, but also earns him entry into several of golf’s most prestigious events. He will now tee it up at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush next month, the British Masters later this summer, and both the 2026 Masters at Augusta and U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

“It's a pretty big trophy,” Fang said with a grin.

“Playing in the Masters and the Open Championship — that's going to be pretty sweet. I’d signed up for a few amateur tournaments, but I think I’ll need to cancel those now!”

How It Unfolded: Blow-by-Blow
Fang’s win was anything but straightforward. He trailed after the opening 18 holes and didn’t take the lead until the 23rd hole of the match. A par on the fifth hole of the afternoon round gave him a 1-up advantage, but the battle remained finely poised throughout, with the lead changing hands four times.

The American made birdie at the par-5 14th and backed it up by winning the 15th to stretch his advantage to two. Tiernan, however, refused to go quietly, delivering back-to-back birdies at the 16th and 17th to level the match heading down the last.

Despite the pressure, Fang — ranked No. 7 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings — produced a decisive blow on the 18th. Tiernan, ranked 1,340, had been a surprise finalist after coming through pre-qualifying and putting together a fairytale run.

“It still doesn't feel real, but I’m sure it will,” Fang said.

“I was hitting it well all day and knew that if I stayed in it, the putts would eventually drop. [Tiernan] played great — two really good shots on 16 and 17. But I just hit a really good one on 18, and that was that.”

Tiernan’s Brave Battle Ends in Agony
For Gavin Tiernan, the journey ended in heartbreak, though he remained gracious in defeat:

“I’m tired — obviously I’m disappointed,” said the East Tennessee State sophomore.
“[But Fang] just hit a fantastic shot into 18. I made a couple of silly mistakes on the back nine and had to make up for it with birdies on 16 and 17. Then he hit an amazing shot. Great birdie, fair play to him.”

The final was played across the famed Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports, with the firm, fast links conditions adding an extra dimension of challenge. Yet Fang — despite having never played links golf before — adapted superbly.

“It was my first time here and first time getting used to links golf,” Fang reflected.
“I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve been in situations like that before, and I just trusted myself on the last.”