While Team USA struggled on day one of the Ryder Cup, there was a bright spot from an unexpected source.
Rookie Cameron Young, one of four first-time participants for the U.S., made his debut in the afternoon four-ball session alongside Justin Thomas and played as well as anyone on the team. Young had several big birdie putts, and with Thomas performing better than he did in the morning, the duo secured a crucial point for the United States.
Young’s strong showing should earn the 28-year-old more opportunities as Team USA looks to mount a comeback in this Ryder Cup. His experience at Bethpage Black—likely more than any other player in the field—certainly gives him an edge.
Here’s a look at Young’s background and why this Ryder Cup is so meaningful for him.
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Where is Cam Young from?
Young grew up in Scarborough, New York, in Westchester County just north of Manhattan. He was able to immerse himself in golf from an early age, as his father was the head professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
Living so close to Bethpage Black, Young played the course numerous times throughout his life. In 2017, as an amateur, he won the New York State Open at Bethpage Black, posting a then–course-record 64 -- a mark that Brooks Koepka would later break.
Where did Cameron Young go to college?
Despite growing up in New York, Young attended Wake Forest University, playing four seasons with the Demon Deacons, and while he was there participated in junior golf events like the Junior Ryder Cup and Junior PGA Championship.
Cameron Young career highlights
Young turned pro in 2019 but didn't get his first PGA Tour victory until 2025, when he won Wyndham Championship in August. in the process, Young became the 1,000th golfer to win a tournament in PGA Tour history.
Nico birdies, Cameron answers 💪
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 3, 2025
Young maintains a five-stroke lead in pursuit of his first TOUR win @WyndhamChamp.
📺 Golf Channel pic.twitter.com/lX9MkVHpNN
Besides that, Young had two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2021, along with the victory at the New York State Open in 2017.
In major tournaments, Young has been up-and-down but he did secure six top 10 finishes since 2022. He was the sole runner up in 2022 at St. Andrews, and most recently, finished tied for fourth at the 2025 U.S. Open in Oakmont.
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Cameron Young Ryder Cup history
Cameron Young is making his Ryder Cup debut in 2025, earning one of Keegan Bradley’s six captain’s picks. He secured the spot thanks to a late-season surge, highlighted by his victory at the Wyndham Championship in August.