NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — A Unique Journey in Golf

This moment unfolded in such a quiet, methodical way, from what might be considered one of the most unassuming players on the PGA Tour. It’s tempting to overlook the significance of it all.

Yet, for Cam Young, nothing has come easy. The hard work he has put in makes each step count.

Ranked No. 3 in the world, he’s already celebrated two wins and heads into the PGA Championship this Thursday at Aronimink as a strong contender for his first major title.

The New York Met area has produced yet another standout player.

However, Young’s journey has been marked by its fair share of setbacks. Coming from Westchester, he grew up playing under the guidance of his father, David, a club pro at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. He finished as a runner-up seven times before finally claiming victory at the 2025 Wyndham Championship.

Among his near-misses was the 2022 British Open at St. Andrews, where, despite a final round of 65, he fell short. He also just missed a playoff at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills.

Then something shifted this year. He broke into the upper echelon of golf, winning the Players Championship—a key milestone—and later clinched his second title at the Cadillac Championship in Doral, defeating world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by six strokes. Alongside these, he placed third at both the Masters and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

All this success, though, hasn’t made him forget the hard times.

“Waiting for something definitely makes the success feel sweeter,” Young expressed on Wednesday. “After spending a few years feeling like things were slipping away, winning a few times lately feels really fulfilling.” He added that the frustration on his path only makes the victories more rewarding. “Winning tournaments isn’t a given, so it’s hard to take that for granted.”

This PGA Championship holds special meaning for him, too. His father dedicated two decades as the head pro at Sleepy Hollow and is still there as a mentor. He also has quite a reputation in the Met area.

“The PGA Championship is a big deal for our family. My dad has been involved with the PGA of America forever,” Young noted. “We’re tied to this whole experience—he’s contributed a lot.” Indeed, this week feels significant for them.

Young also got to reconnect locally, playing nine holes with Chris Gabriele, a longtime friend and competitor from Met Area tournaments. Gabriele, who worked with Young’s father for a few years, now heads Old Westbury Golf and Country Club and is the only club pro from the Met Area to qualify for this year’s PGA.

“I hadn’t seen him in years. We played together growing up and went to college,” Young recounted. “When he returned from school, he actually assisted my dad at Sleepy Hollow. It brought us closer.”

“Seeing him succeed in the PGA is exciting. He’s always been a solid player, so I’m happy he made it to this level,” he added.

As someone who tends to be introverted like his father, Young is now stepping into the spotlight more often, especially following his notable victories. Winning his first major at Aronimink could elevate his recognition even further.

“It feels good when your work is acknowledged,” he remarked. “To be honest, it’s surprising how much more attention winners get. There’s a stark contrast in how we’re viewed career-wise, but in golf, the margins can be very narrow.”

“While I’m pleased to receive recognition, I try not to lose sight of what’s truly important: the work I put in every day,” he concluded.