Year-Old Golfer's Unusual Move Turns Heads at the U.S. Amateur 2026

Mike McCoy, 63, drew attention at Merion Golf Club this week as the oldest player in the field for the U.S. Amateur 2026. USGA and golf media highlighted not just his status—he’s competing in his 21st U.S. Amateur—but also his distinctive cigar and traditional Pine Valley-linked look. The U.S. Golf Association reposted an X update describing him as the oldest competitor at 62, a Reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion. McCoy is a Pine Valley member and a four-time George Arthur Crump Cup champion. He also led the USA to Walker Cup victory in 2023 and captured the U.S. Senior Amateur in 2025, though he opened the week with scores over par in both rounds.