The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club has long been a prestigious event in the golfing world. Traditionally, the coveted green jacket has never been won by an amateur, and while some have come close, the last serious contender dates back over 60 years. This year’s tournament, however, holds promise for five amateur golfers who are vying for the Silver Cup, an honor that could significantly boost their careers in professional golf. Nonetheless, making the cut is a significant challenge.
Throughout the Masters’ history, three amateurs have finished in second place. The most recent instance occurred in 1961 when Charles Coe was the last amateur to come close to winning. Ken Venturi was another notable name who held a four-shot lead at the 54-hole stage in 1956 but ultimately fell short, shooting an 80 in the final round and losing by one shot.
Amateurs can still achieve notable success at the Masters; both Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods were once awarded the Silver Cup before advancing to their remarkable professional careers. Recently, younger talents like Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, and Viktor Hovland have also claimed low amateur honors at this prestigious event. In 2023, Sam Bennett had the best finish in recent years, tying for 16th, while Neal Shipley was the low amateur last April. Both are now working hard to make a name for themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour.
As the Masters unfolds this April, let’s take a closer look at the five amateurs competing this year, and we’ll find out if they choose to stay at the Crow’s Nest, a unique lodging inside the clubhouse.
Hiroshi Tai
Hailing from Singapore, Hiroshi Tai earned his spot in this year’s Masters by winning the NCAA Championship at Georgia Tech. His one-shot victory over six competitors not only marked a significant achievement for Tai, but it also made him the first athlete from Singapore to compete at the Masters. Last summer was also his major debut at the U.S. Open, although he faced challenges there and missed the cut.
Jose Luis Ballester
From Spain and representing Arizona State, Jose Luis Ballester secured his invitation as the U.S. Amateur champion. His victory last fall made him the first Spaniard to achieve this title and came just a year after he claimed the European Amateur title. Ballester has shown impressive skills at the collegiate level this season, achieving three top-five finishes already, and he recently finished tied for 17th at the Mexico Open, making him the highest-ranked amateur in this year’s Masters field at number six.
Noah Kent
Originally from Naples, Florida, Noah Kent finished as the runner-up at the U.S. Amateur last fall and earned his place in the Masters despite falling short against Ballester. Kent’s impressive performance allows him to debut at the Masters after transferring to the University of Florida.
Justin Hastings
Justin Hastings comes from Grand Cayman and earned his spot by winning the Latin America Amateur Championship earlier this year. At San Diego State, he nearly matched Xander Schauffele’s scoring record and has competed in two PGA Tour events this season, achieving a respectable 13th place finish at the Mexico Open in February.
Evan Beck
Evan Beck from Virginia Beach, Virginia, made his mark by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship last fall after previously finishing as a runner-up in the championship match. At 34 years old, Beck will be making his Masters debut this year, marking a significant milestone in his amateur career.
Interestingly, Luke Clanton, who is regarded as the world’s top-ranked amateur and is currently 96th in the overall golf rankings, will not be participating in the Masters. Although Clanton is expected to turn professional in May following the NCAA championships, he did not meet the necessary qualifications for an invitation to Augusta National, which has the discretion to grant special invites.
The anticipation surrounds these amateur golfers as they prepare to compete in one of golf’s most iconic tournaments. Whether they will make headlines or not, their participation signifies a hopeful journey towards establishing themselves in the competitive world of professional golf.
