19-Year-Old Tennessee Sophomore Impresses at Masters Debut
University of Tennessee golfer Jackson Herrington shot a respectable 4-over par in his first ever Masters round, outscoring major champions and proving he belongs among golf's elite. The left-handed 19-year-old earned his spot at Augusta by finishing second in last year's US Amateur Championship.
A college sophomore just held his own against the best golfers in the world at one of sports' most prestigious tournaments.
Jackson Herrington, a 19-year-old left-hander from the University of Tennessee, teed off Thursday at the 2026 Masters at Augusta National. Playing alongside 2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera, the young amateur shot a 4-over 76 that included four birdies and put him in 56th place among 91 players.
Those numbers might sound ordinary until you see who finished behind him. Herrington's opening round beat former world number one Patrick Cantlay, rising star Min Woo Lee, and even 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, who all posted worse scores.
The Tennessee sophomore finished the day tied with two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson and major champion Bryson DeChambeau. Among the six amateurs competing this week, only one posted a better score than Herrington.
His path to Augusta wasn't luck or a special invitation. Herrington earned his spot at both the Masters and US Open by finishing second at the 2025 US Amateur Championship, one of golf's toughest proving grounds.
Why This Inspires
College athletes dream of competing at the highest level, but few get there while still taking classes. Herrington balanced his sophomore year studies with preparation for a tournament that intimidates seasoned professionals, and he showed up ready to compete.
His round also proved that age and experience don't always determine success. The same young player who might be cramming for finals next week just outplayed multiple major champions on golf's grandest stage.
Herrington tees off again Friday at 11:27 a.m. EDT, carrying momentum from a back nine where he shaved two strokes off his front nine performance. Whether he makes the cut or not, he's already shown that Tennessee golf has a bright future.
Young athletes everywhere just got a reminder that preparation and opportunity can take you anywhere, even to the azaleas and perfectly manicured greens of Augusta National.
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Based on reporting by Yahoo Sports
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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