In the fiercely competitive world of professional golf, where household names often dominate headlines, Cameron Young has steadily carved out a significant niche for himself. This American professional golfer, born on May 7, 1997, in Scarborough, New York, has quickly become a fan favorite and a formidable contender on the PGA Tour. With a distinctive swing, a powerful game, and a string of impressive finishes in major championships, Young represents the new guard of talent poised to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
Roots in Golf: A Family Affair
Cameron David Young’s journey into professional golf is deeply rooted in his family’s connection to the sport. His father, David Young, has been the head professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Westchester County, New York, for over two decades. This upbringing provided Cameron with an unparalleled immersion in golf from a young age, offering him constant access to the game and direct mentorship. His aunt was also a teaching professional, further cementing golf as a central pillar of his family life.
This familial influence fostered a natural talent and a profound understanding of the game. He honed his skills at Fordham Preparatory School in The Bronx, where he was a key member of the golf team. His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the AJGA Polo Golf Junior Classic in 2014 and representing the United States in both the Junior Ryder Cup and Junior Golf World Cup.
His collegiate career at Wake Forest University further solidified his potential. During his freshman year in 2015, Young won individual titles at the U.S. Collegiate Championship and the Warrior Princeville Makai Invitational. He also demonstrated his competitive spirit by reaching the second round of the U.S. Amateur before being narrowly defeated by none other than future world No. 1, Jon Rahm. In 2017, while still an amateur, Young made headlines by becoming the first amateur to win the Metropolitan PGA’s New York State Open, setting a course record at Bethpage Black with a final round of 64. His senior year at Wake Forest in 2019 saw him win three more collegiate tournaments, highlighting his readiness for the professional ranks.
Turning Pro and the Korn Ferry Tour Ascendancy
Cameron Young turned professional in 2019, embarking on the challenging path of earning a PGA Tour card. His initial foray saw him competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, the developmental tour for the PGA. It was here that Young truly began to make his mark.
Towards the end of May 2021, he experienced a breakout period, winning back-to-back tournaments: the AdventHealth Championship and the Evans Scholars Invitational. These victories showcased his consistent play and ability to close out events under pressure. His strong performances throughout the season culminated in him finishing 19th on the regular-season points list, securing his highly anticipated PGA Tour card for the 2021-22 season.
PGA Tour Debut and Rookie of the Year Honors
Young’s transition to the PGA Tour was nothing short of spectacular. While he didn’t secure a victory in his rookie season, his consistent high finishes and aggressive style quickly earned him widespread recognition. He recorded an astonishing five runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes during the 2021-22 season, a remarkable feat for a rookie.
His notable performances included tying for second at the Genesis Invitational in February 2022, which saw him climb into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking. He followed this with a tie for third at the PGA Championship in May 2022, signaling his capability on golf’s biggest stages. The highlight of his rookie year, however, came at The Open Championship in July 2022. Young led the field after the first round with a bogey-free 64 (8 under par) and ultimately finished just one stroke behind the winner, Cameron Smith, after eagling the final hole. This performance cemented his status as a major championship contender.
His stellar rookie campaign was duly recognized when he was overwhelmingly voted the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season, receiving an impressive 94% of the vote for the Arnold Palmer Award. This honor was a testament to his immediate impact and immense potential.
Major Championship Prowess and Continued Ascent
Despite not yet having a PGA Tour victory, Cameron Young has demonstrated a remarkable ability to perform at the highest level, particularly in major championships. His record in majors is a key indicator of his caliber:
Masters Tournament: T7 in 2023, T9 in 2024. He has made the cut twice in four appearances, showcasing his comfort on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.
PGA Championship: T3 in 2022, T47 in 2025. His third-place finish in 2022 was a significant breakthrough, and he continues to be a factor in this event.
U.S. Open: T32 in 2023. While he has missed the cut a few times, his ability to grind through the U.S. Open’s notoriously tough conditions is evident.
The Open Championship: 2nd in 2022, T8 in 2023. His runner-up finish at St. Andrews in 2022 was a career highlight and solidified his reputation as a big-game player.
These results highlight his composure and skill when the pressure is at its peak. His consistent top-10 finishes in majors suggest that a major championship victory is not a matter of if, but when.
Playing Style and Swing Analysis
Cameron Young’s golf swing is a topic of frequent discussion among golf analysts and fans alike. Known for its athletic power and unique characteristics, his swing generates immense clubhead speed and impressive driving distance. He consistently ranks among the longest hitters on Tour.
One of the most noticeable elements of his swing is a seemingly long pause at the top of his backswing. However, his father and long-time coach, David Young, clarifies that this isn’t a conscious stop. Instead, it’s a deceptive visual effect created by his lower body initiating the downswing while his arms and upper body remain “pinned back,” creating maximum separation and torque. This “loading” of his legs and the efficient sequencing of his body allow him to unleash tremendous force through impact, resulting in towering ball flights and prodigious distances.
His ability to hit the ball high and far is also attributed to his long arms and high hand position at the top of his backswing, as well as his capacity to maintain his head and chest behind the ball at impact. While he naturally tends to come “over the top,” Young has worked diligently to keep his hand path more neutral during transition, ensuring a powerful and consistent delivery of the club. His meticulous attention to these technical aspects underscores his commitment to optimizing his powerful swing for consistency and accuracy.
Personal Life and Beyond the Ropes
Outside the intense competition of the PGA Tour, Cameron Young maintains a relatively private personal life, though he has shared glimpses with his growing fanbase. He is married to Kelsey Dalition, whom he wed in late 2020 or early 2021. The couple welcomed their son, Henry, adding another dimension to Young’s life. His family often travels with him to tournaments, providing a crucial support system. Kelsey has even caddied for him in the Masters Par 3 Contest, a cherished tradition.
Young has expressed that becoming a father has helped him gain perspective, allowing him to “forget about golf” when he’s off the course and enjoy more family time. This balance is often cited by athletes as crucial for mental well-being in a demanding sport.
He also made an appearance in the popular Netflix sports documentary series “Full Swing,” which premiered in February 2023. This exposure further introduced him to a broader audience, showcasing his personality and the realities of life on the PGA Tour.
FAQs
Who is Cameron Young?
Cameron Young is an American professional golfer born on May 7, 1997, in Scarborough, New York. He turned professional in 2019 and currently competes on the PGA Tour. Young gained prominence with multiple top-three finishes in major championships and was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2021–22 season .
What are Cameron Young’s notable achievements?
Major Championships: Tied for 3rd at the 2022 PGA Championship and finished 2nd at the 2022 Open Championship .
PGA Tour: Multiple runner-up finishes, showcasing consistent high-level performance.
Korn Ferry Tour: Secured two victories in 2021, leading to his promotion to the PGA Tour .
Amateur Wins: Notably won the 2015 U.S. Collegiate Championship and the 2017 New York State Open as an amateur .
What is Cameron Young’s playing style?
Young is known for his powerful driving, averaging over 310 yards off the tee, ranking him among the top in driving distance on the PGA Tour . His aggressive playstyle often positions him well for scoring opportunities, though he continues to work on improving his putting consistency.
How has Cameron Young performed in recent tournaments?
In the 2025 season, Young has had a mix of performances:
The Sentry: Tied for 8th place with a score of -23 .
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Finished 72nd .
PGA Championship: Tied for 47th place .
These results indicate his potential to contend, though consistency remains an area for development.
What is Cameron Young’s background and early life?
Young grew up in Scarborough, New York, where his father, David Young, was the head professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. He attended Fordham Preparatory School and later played collegiate golf at Wake Forest University, graduating in 2019 with a degree in Economics.
Is Cameron Young married?
Yes, Cameron Young is married to Kelsey Dalition. The couple got married between late 2020 and early 2021 and have a son named Henry. They reside in Jupiter, Florida .
What equipment does Cameron Young use?
While specific equipment details can vary, Young is known to use Titleist clubs and balls. He has been associated with Titleist equipment throughout his professional career.
Has Cameron Young participated in team events?
Yes, Young has represented the United States in international competitions, including the Presidents Cup. His performances in team events have been commendable, contributing to the U.S. team’s successes.
What is Cameron Young’s current world ranking?
As of May 2025, Cameron Young is ranked 65th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) .
What are Cameron Young’s goals moving forward?
Young aims to secure his first PGA Tour victory and continue improving his consistency in major championships. With his talent and dedication, he is poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming years.
To conclude
Cameron Young’s journey in professional golf is a testament to talent, dedication, and perseverance. From his early days in New York to competing on the world’s biggest stages, Young has consistently demonstrated his capability to contend with the best. His powerful driving and competitive spirit make him a formidable presence on the PGA Tour. While he continues to seek his first PGA Tour win, his track record in major championships and team events underscores his potential for greatness. As he refines his game and gains more experience, the golfing world eagerly anticipates the achievements that lie ahead for Cameron Young.
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