Texas Golfers Leave Lasting Mark on Masters Tournament

From Byron Nelson to Ben Crenshaw, the Lone Star State's influence is felt at Augusta National

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract golf scene with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of green, white, and navy blue, conveying the storied legacy of Texas golfers at the Masters.The rich history and Texas influence of the Masters tournament is reflected in a cubist, geometric interpretation of the iconic Augusta National course.Dallas Today

The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club has long been influenced by great Texan golfers, from two-time champion Ben Crenshaw to current stars like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler. Texans have won 15 of the 90 Masters tournaments, more than any other state. This year, the Texas connection was on full display as Crenshaw, the longtime host of the annual Champions Dinner, shared a special memento from his friend and fellow Texan, the legendary Ben Hogan.

Why it matters

Augusta National and the Masters tournament hold a revered place in golf history, and the outsized influence of Texan golfers on this storied event speaks to the state's deep connection to the sport. The continued success of players like Spieth and Scheffler also highlights Texas' ongoing role in producing world-class golfing talent.

The details

Two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, a 74-year-old from Austin, is the current host of the annual Champions Dinner at Augusta National. This year, Crenshaw brought a special memento to share with the other 35 living Masters champions in attendance - a driver given to him long ago by fellow Texan and golfing great Ben Hogan. Crenshaw told the group, 'I know this is my driver, but I feel in a way it's y'all's, too.' Meanwhile, current stars Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, both from the Dallas area, are looking to add to Texas' impressive Masters legacy, with Spieth finishing just outside the top 10 this year and Scheffler in contention on the final day.

  • The Masters tournament takes place each year in early April at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
  • The annual Champions Dinner, hosted by Ben Crenshaw this year, occurs on the Tuesday night before the start of the tournament.

The players

Ben Crenshaw

A two-time Masters champion (1984, 1995) from Austin, Texas, who is the current host of the annual Champions Dinner at Augusta National.

Ben Hogan

A legendary golfer from Fort Worth, Texas, who initiated the first Champions Dinner at the Masters in 1952.

Jordan Spieth

A professional golfer from Dallas, Texas, who has won the Masters once (2015) and has finished just outside the top 10 in his last four starts at the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler

A professional golfer from Dallas, Texas, who has won the Masters twice (2022, 2024) and was in contention on the final day of this year's tournament.

Byron Nelson

A professional golfer from Waxahachie, Texas, who served as the host and emcee of the Champions Dinner from 1956 to 2004.

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What they’re saying

“A long time ago Ben Hogan gave me one of his drivers and I brought it here this week. I showed it to the guys and said, 'I know this is my driver, but I feel in a way it's y'all's, too.'”

— Ben Crenshaw, Two-time Masters champion

“I've been playing the same way that I played today every week. I just made three putts outside of six feet today and I didn't any of the other days.”

— Jordan Spieth, Professional golfer

“I think so highly of them as individuals. They're two great boys who represent the game in the right way. But they're singular talents, both of them. I'm proud of them.”

— Ben Crenshaw, Two-time Masters champion

What’s next

The 2027 Masters tournament will take place April 3-6, 2027, where Texan golfers will look to continue their legacy of success at Augusta National.

The takeaway

The enduring influence of Texas golfers at the Masters tournament, from legends like Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson to modern stars like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, speaks to the state's deep connection to the sport of golf and its ability to produce world-class talent. The Texas touch can be felt throughout the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.