Six Amateurs Secure Early Spots in the 2026 Masters Field
The 2026 Masters Tournament is still months away, but six amateurs have already locked in invitations to Augusta National. Each earned their place through major amateur championships, representing the next generation of golf’s elite.
Michael La Sasso – NCAA Champion
Ole Miss senior Michael La Sasso clinched his Masters invitation by winning the 2025 NCAA Individual Championship at Omni La Costa. He became the second Rebel in program history to capture the title, joining Braden Thornberry. La Sasso competed in the 2025 U.S. Open and also represented the United States in the Walker Cup.
Ethan Fang – British Amateur Champion
Oklahoma State’s Ethan Fang earned his spot with a victory at the 2025 British Amateur at Royal St. George’s. Fang, a member of the U.S. Walker Cup team, is ranked among the top college players in the nation and made his Open Championship debut this summer.
Mason Howell – U.S. Amateur Champion
High school standout Mason Howell delivered one of the year’s biggest stories, winning the 2025 U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club as the 63rd seed. Howell, who also claimed medalist honors at the U.S. Junior and played in the U.S. Open, was a key contributor for the U.S. Walker Cup team at Cypress Point.
Jackson Herrington – U.S. Amateur Runner-Up
Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington earned his invitation by finishing runner-up to Howell at the U.S. Amateur. His performance echoed that of 2024 finalist Neal Shipley, who went on to claim low amateur honors at Augusta the following year.
Brandon Holtz – U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion
Brandon Holtz punched his ticket by capturing the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Troon Country Club in Arizona. He birdied the 34th hole to win 3 and 2 in the championship match, securing his first Masters appearance.
Fifa Laopakdee – Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
Arizona State’s Fifa Laopakdee completed a dramatic comeback to win the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Singapore. Trailing by six entering the final round, he fired five consecutive birdies, including three in a playoff, to seal the victory and his Masters berth.
The remaining amateur exemption will come from the Latin America Amateur Championship in January, rounding out a field that already includes some of the top names in the amateur game.
