First Coast and South Georgia Players Tee Off at the Masters

Nine local golfers, including two past champions, compete in the 90th edition of the prestigious tournament.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:04am

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The 90th Masters Tournament will feature a strong contingent of players with ties to the First Coast and Georgia's Golden Isles regions. Nine golfers from the area, including past champions Vijay Singh and Zach Johnson, will compete in the prestigious event at Augusta National Golf Club. Two players, Michael Brennan of Jacksonville and Andrew Novak of St. Simons Island, Ga., will be making their Masters debuts.

Why it matters

The First Coast and Golden Isles have long been hotbeds for elite golf talent, producing numerous players who have competed at the highest levels of the sport. The Masters is considered one of the most prestigious events in the world, and the participation of local players helps showcase the strength of the region's golf community.

The details

The nine players with area ties competing in the 2026 Masters are led by past champions Singh and Johnson. Singh, a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, won the green jacket in 2000, while Johnson, from St. Simons Island, Ga., triumphed in 2007. Other notable players include Cameron Smith of Ponte Vedra Beach, who came close to winning in 2020, and Matt Kuchar of St. Simons Island, Ga., who nearly made the playoff in 2012.

  • The 90th Masters Tournament will take place April 9-12, 2026.
  • Singh won the Masters in 2000.
  • Johnson won the Masters in 2007.
  • Smith came close to winning the Masters in 2020.
  • Kuchar nearly made the playoff at the Masters in 2012.

The players

Vijay Singh

A resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Singh won the Masters in 2000 and has 31 career starts in the tournament.

Zach Johnson

From St. Simons Island, Georgia, Johnson won the Masters in 2007 and has 21 career starts in the tournament.

Michael Brennan

A Jacksonville, Florida native, Brennan will be making his Masters debut in 2026.

Andrew Novak

Hailing from St. Simons Island, Georgia, Novak will also be making his first appearance at the Masters in 2026.

Cameron Smith

A Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida resident, Smith came close to winning the Masters in 2020 with a historic performance.

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What they’re saying

“The First Coast and Georgia's Golden Isles have historically produced a strong contingent to the Masters Tournament on an annual basis.”

— Garry Smits, Author

What’s next

The 90th Masters Tournament will tee off on April 9, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club.

The takeaway

The strong representation of players from the First Coast and South Georgia regions at the Masters highlights the area's deep golf talent pool and its status as a premier destination for the sport. These local players will look to continue the tradition of success and make their mark on one of golf's most prestigious events.