South Georgia teen makes Masters debut alongside defending champion

Mason Howell, 18, experiences the full Augusta National course in his first round at the Masters Tournament.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colors representing the energy and experience of a young golfer's Masters debut.A young golfer's Masters debut is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the iconic Augusta National course and the energy of the tournament.Augusta Today

Mason Howell, an 18-year-old high school student from Thomasville, Georgia, made his Masters debut on Thursday, playing alongside defending champion Rory McIlroy. Howell experienced the full Augusta National course in his first round, including losing his hat on the opening tee shot, hitting a ball over a magnolia tree, and carding a 5-over 77 with birdies on two of his final four holes.

Why it matters

Howell's Masters debut at such a young age is an exciting moment for the South Georgia golf community, as he gets to experience the prestigious tournament alongside one of the sport's biggest stars in McIlroy. The exposure and experience will be invaluable for Howell as he continues his golf career.

The details

Howell, who is a month away from graduating high school, hit his opening tee shot left to the adjacent 9th fairway, unable to see the flagstick. He then launched his second shot 146 yards over a magnolia tree to the green, saving par with two putts. Despite a double-bogey on the 4th hole and four other bogeys, Howell birdied 8, 15 and 16 to finish with a 5-over 77. Playing alongside the defending champion McIlroy, who shot 5-under, Howell said he was able to pick McIlroy's brain and felt confident in his driving and iron play.

  • On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Howell made his Masters debut.

The players

Mason Howell

An 18-year-old high school student from Thomasville, Georgia who is making his Masters debut.

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, who Howell was grouped with for the first round.

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What they’re saying

“'On the first tee, I couldn't feel my arms. ... But I got the driver cooking the rest of the round, so that will be a big confidence booster (Friday).'”

— Mason Howell

“'I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee. It's the first round of major season, the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the year.'”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

Howell will look to build on his strong finish and make the cut in his Masters debut when he tees off for the second round on Friday.

The takeaway

Howell's Masters debut at just 18 years old is an exciting milestone for the young golfer from South Georgia, who got to experience the full thrill of Augusta National while playing alongside the defending champion. The exposure and experience will be invaluable as Howell continues to develop his game and pursue his golf career.