Bloomington Native Brandon Holtz Tees Off at Masters After 12-Year Hiatus

Holtz earned an amateur exemption to the prestigious golf tournament after winning the USGA Mid-Am last year.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:04am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the powerful motion of a golfer swinging a club, conceptually representing the excitement and drama of a player's comeback at the prestigious Masters tournament.A former basketball star's return to the Masters after a 12-year hiatus sparks excitement and inspiration.Bloomington Today

Twelve years after stepping away from professional golf, Brandon Holtz, a former basketball star from Bloomington, Illinois, will tee off at the Masters Tournament on Thursday morning. Holtz earned an exemption into this year's event as an amateur after winning the USGA Mid-Am Tournament last September. The 39-year-old will play in the opening round alongside two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and three-time PGA Tour winner Nicolas Echavarria.

Why it matters

Holtz's return to the Masters after a 12-year absence is a remarkable comeback story, highlighting the resilience and determination of a former athlete who stepped away from his sport only to recapture his passion and achieve a lifelong dream. His participation also draws attention to the USGA Mid-Am tournament and the opportunities it provides for amateur golfers.

The details

Holtz, a former basketball standout at Bloomington High School and Illinois State University, turned professional in golf after college but stepped away from the sport 12 years ago. Last September, he won the USGA Mid-Amateur Tournament, earning him an exemption to compete in both the Masters and the U.S. Open this year. On Thursday, he will tee off the opening round of the Masters at 8:02 AM CT, playing alongside two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and three-time PGA Tour winner Nicolas Echavarria.

  • Holtz won the USGA Mid-Am Tournament in September 2025.
  • Holtz will tee off the opening round of the Masters on Thursday, April 10, 2026, at 8:02 AM CT.

The players

Brandon Holtz

A 39-year-old former basketball player from Bloomington, Illinois, who is making his return to professional golf after a 12-year hiatus.

Bubba Watson

A two-time Masters champion who will be playing in the opening round alongside Holtz.

Nicolas Echavarria

A three-time PGA Tour winner who will also be in Holtz's opening round group at the Masters.

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What’s next

Holtz will also compete in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in June 2026.

The takeaway

Holtz's return to the Masters after a 12-year hiatus is an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of following one's dreams. His participation not only highlights his own remarkable comeback but also shines a light on the opportunities available to amateur golfers through events like the USGA Mid-Am Tournament.