SC Golfers Bridgeman, Johnson Finish Day 1 at Masters

Clemson's Bridgeman leads Palmetto State contingent with 1-under 71, while Coastal's Johnson cards 1-over 73.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:19am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the fluid motion of a golfer's swing, with sharp planes of color representing the energy and intensity of the Masters tournament.A cubist interpretation of the Masters tournament captures the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of South Carolina's rising golf stars.Columbia Today

Two South Carolina golfers, Jacob Bridgeman and Dustin Johnson, competed in the first round of the 2026 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday. Bridgeman, a Clemson graduate from Inman, shot a 1-under-par 71 and leads the South Carolina contingent after 18 holes. Columbia native and Coastal Carolina alum Dustin Johnson posted a 1-over-par 73, while Andrew Novak (Mount Pleasant/Wofford) finished at 3-over-par 75.

Why it matters

This marks the first Masters appearance for both Bridgeman and Novak, providing a chance for these rising South Carolina golfers to make their mark on the sport's biggest stage. Johnson, a former world No. 1 and major champion, is looking to add a coveted green jacket to his resume.

The details

Bridgeman, who leads the FedEx Cup standings and is ranked 18th in the world, said he played a conservative game plan for his first trip around Augusta National's famed course. After 'pretty boring golf' for 17 holes, he chipped in for birdie on the finishing hole to post his 1-under score. Novak struggled with some three-putts and poor positioning, while Johnson had a relatively pedestrian round with a birdie and a bogey.

  • The first round of the 2026 Masters was played on Thursday, April 10.
  • Bridgeman tees off for his second round on Friday at 9:02 a.m.
  • Novak has an early tee time on Friday, going off at 8:02 a.m.
  • Johnson starts his second round on Friday at 12:56 p.m.

The players

Jacob Bridgeman

A Clemson graduate from Inman, South Carolina who is currently ranked 18th in the world and leading the FedEx Cup standings.

Dustin Johnson

A Columbia, South Carolina native and Coastal Carolina alum who is a former world No. 1 and major champion.

Andrew Novak

A golfer from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina who attended Wofford College and is making his Masters debut.

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What they’re saying

“Boring golf 'sometimes is good,' said Bridgeman, who leads the FedEx Cup standings and is ranked 18th in the world. 'I wanted something and that (chip-in) was pretty special. I hit an awesome shot.'”

— Jacob Bridgeman

“I thought if I could play as conservative as I could, I could post a pretty good score and not let the scores get away from me. I'm pretty pleased.”

— Jacob Bridgeman

“Honestly, I thought I made the first one. I felt really good over the (first) putt. It was left-center and just happened to break five inches.”

— Jacob Bridgeman

What’s next

Bridgeman, Novak, and Johnson will all look to build on their first-round performances as they tee off for the second round of the 2026 Masters on Friday.

The takeaway

The strong showings by South Carolina golfers Bridgeman and Johnson in the opening round of the Masters highlight the depth of talent emerging from the Palmetto State. Their success could inspire the next generation of Gamecock and Tiger golfers to reach new heights on the sport's biggest stages.