New Jersey Golfer Chris Gotterup Earns Masters Debut After 13-Year Journey

Gotterup's first lesson from coach Jason Birnbaum at age 13 set him on path to PGA Tour success.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the long journey and pivotal moments that led to this player's first Masters appearance.A cubist interpretation of the swing that launched a New Jersey golfer's path to the Masters.Augusta Today

Chris Gotterup, a 26-year-old golfer from Little Silver, New Jersey, is making his first appearance at the Masters tournament this week. Gotterup's journey to the PGA Tour and this major championship began 13 years ago with a pivotal lesson from his coach, Jason Birnbaum, when Gotterup was just 13 years old.

Why it matters

Gotterup's story highlights the long-term impact a single coaching session can have on a young athlete's career. His rapid rise to the top of professional golf, including four PGA Tour wins and a world ranking of No. 9, demonstrates the power of dedicated mentorship and perseverance.

The details

When Gotterup first started working with Birnbaum at age 13, the coach recognized the young golfer's potential and provided guidance that would shape the next 13 years of Gotterup's career. Through Birnbaum's instruction and Gotterup's commitment to improvement, the New Jersey native developed into one of the top players on the PGA Tour, earning his first Masters invitation this year.

  • Gotterup took his first lesson from coach Jason Birnbaum when he was 13 years old.
  • Gotterup is making his first appearance at the Masters tournament in 2026, 13 years after that initial lesson.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 26-year-old professional golfer from Little Silver, New Jersey, who is making his first appearance at the Masters tournament in 2026 after winning four times on the PGA Tour and reaching a world ranking of No. 9.

Jason Birnbaum

Gotterup's golf coach who provided a pivotal lesson to the young golfer when he was 13 years old, setting him on a path to PGA Tour success.

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What they’re saying

“It would prove to be the most important lesson of his life.”

— Mark Cannizzaro, Author

The takeaway

Gotterup's journey to the Masters demonstrates the profound impact a single coaching session can have on a young athlete's career. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring golfers and highlights the importance of dedicated mentorship in developing elite talent.