One of the best things that comes with the spring season in the state of Georgia is watching the greatest golfers in the world compete in The Masters Tournament at arguably the world’s finest venue: Augusta National Golf Club. The University of Georgia has been known to have players in the field year after year, creating timeless memories for the Bulldog Faithful. Here’s an overview of the Bulldogs in the field for the first major championship of the year.
Bubba Watson
In 2012, Watson created one of the greatest moments in tournament history after pulling off an improbable shot from the magnolias on number 10 to defeat Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff for his first major championship. In 2014, he held off Jordan Speith and Jonas Blixt with a final-round 69 (-3) to win his second green jacket. The Florida native will be making his sixteenth appearance in The Masters.
Brian Harman
Harman, fresh off his impeccable win at the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, will be making his sixth Masters appearance. In 2021, he shot 69 (-3) in the first two rounds, but struggled over the weekend, shooting 74 both days to finish in a tie for 12th. The former Bulldog will be looking to win his second major championship in his home state.
Harris English
English will be making his fifth appearance in the tournament, with his best finish coming in 2021 in a tie for 21st. The Georgia-native, still in search of his first major championship, finished in the top ten at last year’s US Open in Los Angeles, six strokes shy of champion Wyndham Clark.
Russel Henley
Henley impressed the Bulldog Nation at last year’s tournament, finishing in a tie for fourth with Patrick Reed and Jordan Speith at seven-under. The Georgia native has had great success in his previous seven appearances, finishing in the top 15 in 2017 and 2018.
Chris Kirk
Kirk started this year’s PGA Tour season off with a win at The Sentry in Maui, Hawaii in January. The Athens resident also won The Honda Classic last year for his sixth career win on Tour. This will be his fifth Masters appearance, with his best finish coming in 2014 with a tie for 20th.
Sepp Straka
Straka had a strong 2023 season on Tour and in majors, winning The John Deere Classic and finishing in the top ten at The PGA Championship (7th) and The Open (2nd). He will be making his third tournament appearance, with his best finish coming in 2022 in a tie for 30th.