7 Golfers with Oklahoma Ties Compete at 2026 Masters

The diverse array of Oklahoma-connected golfers reflects the state's deep roots in the sport.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:23am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golf tournament or match, with abstracted, angular forms representing the players in a palette of greens, browns, and blues.The diverse array of Oklahoma-connected golfers competing at the 2026 Masters reflects the state's deep roots in the sport.Oklahoma City Today

The 2026 Masters Tournament features seven golfers with strong ties to the state of Oklahoma, including former Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma players. While there are no Oklahoma natives in the field, these golfers have all competed for the Sooners or Cowboys and are now making their mark on the PGA Tour, with several having already won major championships.

Why it matters

Oklahoma has a rich history of producing top-tier collegiate and professional golfers, and the presence of these seven players with Sooner State connections adds an extra layer of local interest and pride to the prestigious Masters tournament. Their performances could inspire the next generation of Oklahoma golfers to reach the highest levels of the sport.

The details

The seven golfers with Oklahoma ties competing in the 2026 Masters are: Chris Gotterup (OU), Ethan Fang (OSU), Sam Stevens (OSU), Viktor Hovland (OSU), Austin Clark (OSU/Oregon), Alex Norén (OSU), and Nicolai Neegaard-Petersen (OSU). They have combined for numerous All-American honors, major championship wins, Ryder Cup appearances, and PGA Tour victories over the course of their careers.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament is taking place from April 10-13, 2026.
  • Ethan Fang qualified for the Masters by winning the Amateur Championship in the summer of 2025.
  • Nicolai Neegaard-Petersen earned his spot in the field by winning the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in December 2025.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 26-year-old golfer who transferred from Rutgers to the University of Oklahoma in 2021, where he won the 2021 East Lake Cup and 2022 Puerto Rico Classic. Gotterup has since won three times on the PGA Tour and is making his Masters debut.

Ethan Fang

A 20-year-old junior at Oklahoma State University who qualified for the Masters by winning the Amateur Championship in 2025. Fang was a first-team PING All-American and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in Stillwater.

Sam Stevens

A 29-year-old Fort Worth native who competed at Oklahoma State for four seasons, winning the 2018 national championship with the Cowboys. Stevens is making his Masters debut after earning two top-10 and one top-5 finish on the PGA Tour in 2026.

Viktor Hovland

A 28-year-old native of Oslo, Norway who spent three years at Oklahoma State before turning professional in 2019. Hovland has seven PGA Tour wins but is still seeking his first major championship victory.

Austin Clark

A 32-year-old golfer who spent four seasons at Oklahoma State before transferring to Oregon in 2016. Clark turned professional the following year and has since won three PGA Tour events, including the 2023 U.S. Open.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The presence of these seven Oklahoma-connected golfers at the 2026 Masters highlights the state's enduring impact on the sport of golf, with the players' performances potentially inspiring the next generation of Sooner State talent to reach the highest levels of the game.