Wichita Native Sam Stevens Tees Off in First Career Masters Tournament

Stevens qualified for the 90th Masters after finishing in the top 50 of the World Golf Rankings in 2025.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:22am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring a golfer mid-swing, with vibrant neon brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the swing, set against the backdrop of the iconic Augusta National clubhouse in the distance.A Wichita native's first Masters appearance brings a burst of local pride and energy to the historic tournament.Wichita Today

Twelve years after playing his last high school tournament at Wichita Country Club, Sam Stevens, a native of Wichita, Kansas, is set to compete in his first-ever Masters Tournament this week in Augusta, Georgia. Stevens qualified for the 90th edition of the prestigious event by finishing in the top 50 of the official World Golf Rankings at the end of 2025.

Why it matters

The Masters Tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, and earning a spot in the field is a major accomplishment for any golfer. Stevens' appearance marks the first time a Wichita native has competed in the Masters in over a decade, providing a source of local pride and inspiration for aspiring young golfers in the region.

The details

Stevens, who last played competitively as a high school student at Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita, said that even just being a patron at the Masters was on his bucket list, let alone competing in the tournament. In preparation, he arrived in Augusta a week early to familiarize himself with the course, particularly the challenging greens. Stevens will tee off on Thursday morning at 10:03 am Central Time, playing alongside Sungjae Im.

  • Stevens last played competitively as a high school student at Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita.
  • Stevens qualified for the 90th Masters Tournament by finishing in the top 50 of the World Golf Rankings at the end of 2025.
  • Stevens will tee off on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at 10:03 am Central Time.

The players

Sam Stevens

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Sam Stevens is making his first career appearance in the Masters Tournament after qualifying by finishing in the top 50 of the World Golf Rankings in 2025.

Sungjae Im

A professional golfer from South Korea, Sungjae Im will be playing alongside Sam Stevens in the first round of the Masters Tournament on Thursday.

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer from Topeka, Kansas, Gary Woodland is also competing in the 2026 Masters Tournament, teeing off at 12:44 pm Central Time on Thursday.

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What they’re saying

“When you're a little kid, that's what you dream of playing in. Honestly, 10 years ago I'd probably have said if I could come and watch, that would be pretty cool. To be playing, it's going to be really special.”

— Sam Stevens

“Man, you know, you've seen it so much on TV, you think you know it. But like everyone says, 'The more you play it, the more nuance you kind of pick up on.' The greens are obviously super tricky. I've got a little bit more to learn. I'm not sure I'm going to have it all figured out by Thursday, but we'll figure it out as we go.”

— Sam Stevens

What’s next

Stevens will tee off in the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday, April 10th at 10:03 am Central Time, playing alongside Sungjae Im. Topeka native Gary Woodland will also be competing in the tournament, teeing off at 12:44 pm Central Time on Thursday.

The takeaway

Sam Stevens' appearance in the 2026 Masters Tournament marks a significant milestone for the Wichita native, who has achieved his childhood dream of competing in one of golf's most prestigious events. His journey to the Masters serves as an inspiration for aspiring young golfers in the Wichita area and across Kansas, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, even a small-town player can reach the highest levels of the sport.