High school senior makes memorable Masters debut alongside childhood idol

Mason Howell, 18, skips school to play in the Masters, paired with defending champion Rory McIlroy.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping perspectives and energy of a golf tournament, with sharp planes of color and form representing the competition and camaraderie between the players.A young amateur golfer's dream comes true as he makes his Masters debut alongside one of the sport's biggest stars.Augusta Today

Mason Howell, an 18-year-old high school senior, is making his debut at the Masters golf tournament this week, paired with defending champion Rory McIlroy for the first two rounds. Howell has long admired McIlroy and even kept a golf ball that McIlroy tossed him when Howell was 9 years old. Despite the nerves of playing on the prestigious Augusta National course, Howell was able to joke and converse easily with his golfing idol throughout their round.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments, and for a high school student to earn a spot in the field is an incredible accomplishment. Howell's pairing with McIlroy, one of the top players in the world, provides a unique opportunity for the young golfer to learn from and play alongside his childhood hero.

The details

Howell swung so hard on the first tee that his hat flew off, but he was able to settle in and enjoy the experience of playing with McIlroy. The two golfers had an easy rapport, with McIlroy offering advice and guidance to the amateur player throughout the round.

  • Howell received a golf ball from McIlroy when he was 9 years old at the TOUR Championship.
  • Howell is making his debut at the Masters this week, paired with defending champion Rory McIlroy for the first two rounds.

The players

Mason Howell

An 18-year-old high school senior who is making his debut at the Masters golf tournament this week.

Rory McIlroy

The defending champion of the Masters tournament and one of the top professional golfers in the world.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, I was going to swing out of my shoes to see if I could cover that right bunker. It was pretty funny.”

— Mason Howell, High school senior

“Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it'll be a super special moment for me. I can't oggle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself. It'll be fun.”

— Mason Howell, High school senior

“When he was in trouble he took his medicine and then, you know, by that he was able to go up there and make a lot of putts.”

— Mason Howell, High school senior

“The incredible thing about our game is because our careers are long, so many generations overlap. I remember playing the first two rounds of the 2010 US Open with Tom Watson. That's incredible to think about now.”

— Rory McIlroy, Defending Masters champion

What’s next

Howell will continue playing in the Masters tournament, hoping to make the cut and continue competing alongside his childhood idol, Rory McIlroy.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unique opportunity for a young, aspiring golfer like Mason Howell to not only compete in the prestigious Masters tournament, but to do so while paired with one of the sport's biggest stars in Rory McIlroy. It showcases the generational overlap in golf and the ability for established professionals to mentor and inspire the next generation of talent.