2026 Masters Starts with 22 Debutants, Gotterup Standout

AUGUSTA, Ga. The 2026 Masters Tournament begins Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club, featuring 22 players making their debut at the prestigious event, with 26-year-old American Chris Gotterup emerging as a standout contender among the newcomers due to his recent successes on the PGA Tour.

Gotterup, a native of the Jersey Shore and former Rutgers University standout, enters the week with four PGA Tour victories, making him the third player since World War II to arrive at the Masters with that many wins before his first appearance. His triumphs include the Scottish Open last year, which qualified him for the British Open where he finished third, followed by victories at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season. Ranked 11th in the world, Gotterup warmed up with a sixth-place finish at the Houston Open last week. He credits his power off the tee, improved iron play and sharp chipping for suiting the demanding layout of Augusta National.

"After winning a couple big events, I feel like I'm comfortable being there," Gotterup said. "I feel like I'm playing well. I've played well and earned the right to be in that spot. Having executed under the gun makes...