9 Top Golfers Debut at Masters Tournament

Newcomers aim to join elite club of first-time winners at Augusta National

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Twenty-two golfers, including several highly ranked PGA Tour stars, will be making their Masters debut at Augusta National next week. They will be trying to become the first newcomer to win the prestigious tournament since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, a feat only accomplished one other time by Gene Sarazen in 1935.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most iconic events, and winning on your first try is an extremely rare accomplishment. These newcomers will be looking to make history and cement their place among the game's elite by pulling off an Augusta upset.

The details

Golfers like Chris Gotterup, ranked 9th in the World Cup rankings, and Ben Griffin will be among the 22 Masters debutants aiming to join Zoeller and Sarazen as first-time champions. Gotterup has already won twice this season on the PGA Tour, at the Sony Open and WM Phoenix Open.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place next week.
  • Fuzzy Zoeller was the last player to win the Masters on his debut in 1979.
  • Gene Sarazen was the only other player to win the Masters in his first appearance, doing so in 1935.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A PGA Tour player ranked 9th in the World Cup rankings, Gotterup has won twice this season at the Sony Open and WM Phoenix Open.

Ben Griffin

Another PGA Tour newcomer making his Masters debut next week.

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The takeaway

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and these young stars will be looking to etch their names in history by becoming the first newcomers to win the tournament since the 1970s. Their success or failure could have a major impact on their careers going forward.