OAKMONT — Life has taken a surreal turn for Tyler Weaver, a 20-year-old amateur from Suffolk, who makes his major debut in this week's US Open at Oakmont. The young weaver, who balances his passion for golf with a family trade in textile craftsmanship, found himself practising alongside five-time major champion Brooks Koepka in what he describes as a "pinch-me moment."
Weaver earned his spot in the field through a dramatic playoff victory at the Walton Heath qualifier, becoming one of only nine amateurs to compete in this year's championship. His journey from local club golfer to sharing the range with Koepka—a player he admits to "idolising since childhood"—has been nothing short of extraordinary.
From Loom to Links
Weaver's background is as unconventional as his rise in golf. The son of a master weaver, he grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, where his family has operated a textile business for three generations. Balancing early-morning weaving sessions with afternoon golf practice became routine. "The discipline of weaving translates to golf—patience, precision, repetition," Weaver explained.
His breakthrough came last year when he won the Brabazon Trophy, England's premier amateur stroke-play event. That victory earned him exemptions into elite amateur tournaments, but nothing prepared him for Oakmont's brutal test. "I’ve watched this course destroy pros on TV. Walking it in person is humbling," he admitted.
Practising with Koepka
A chance encounter during a practice round led to an unforgettable session with Koepka, who took an interest in the amateur’s unorthodox swing. "He asked about my grip—I use a stronger left hand than most—and next thing I knew, we were comparing drivers," Weaver recalled. Koepka, known for his no-nonsense approach, offered blunt advice: "Hit it straight or you’re toast here."
Weaver’s preparation has been meticulous:
- Local Knowledge: He spent a week studying Oakmont’s infamous "church pew" bunkers with a caddie who worked the 2016 US Open.
- Mental Game: Meditation sessions, a habit picked up from his mother, a yoga instructor.
- Equipment: Custom irons forged by a family friend—a nod to his artisan roots.
The Amateur Advantage?
Weaver isn’t the first amateur to defy expectations at Oakmont. In 1973, a 23-year-old amateur named Johnny Miller shot a final-round 63 to win. While Weaver laughs off comparisons, his coach, former European Tour player Richard Bland, sees potential: "Tyler’s got that rare combo—raw talent and zero scar tissue from pro golf’s grind."
A Family Affair
Weaver’s parents, who closed their loom for the week to travel to Pennsylvania, embody his dual identity. His father, James, joked, "We brought him a lucky scarf—handwoven, of course. If he makes the cut, we’ll start a golf line." Meanwhile, Weaver’s younger sister, a budding golfer herself, caddied for him in qualifying.
The family’s textile heritage even influenced his game. Weaver’s swing coach noted his unique ability to "thread the needle" on tight fairways, a skill honed by years of detailed handiwork.
The Road Ahead
Weaver’s goals are modest: "Make the cut, soak it in, maybe sneak a photo with Tiger." But his story has already resonated. Social media buzz dubs him the "Weaver of Oakmont," a nod to his craft and underdog status.
Koepka, when asked about Weaver’s potential, offered a trademark quip: "Kid’s got game. If he weaves his way through this place, I’ll buy one of his scarves." For now, Weaver’s focus is on Thursday’s tee time—where he’ll trade loom for lob shots on golf’s toughest stage.
As the sun set over Oakmont’s punishing greens, Weaver summed up his whirlwind week: "Surreal doesn’t cover it. I’m just a weaver who loves golf. And for now, that’s enough."
