Golf

The Masters 2025: Meet the Amateur Golfers Competing at Augusta National This Week

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By
Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published09 Apr 2025

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Masters 2025: Meet the Amateur Golfers Competing at Augusta National This Week

The Masters Tournament is a unique major that provides an incredible opportunity for amateur golfers. ​

The Masters Tournament has long celebrated the tradition of inviting top amateur golfers to compete alongside seasoned professionals, offering a unique platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on one of golf’s grandest stages. The 2025 Masters continues this legacy, featuring five distinguished amateurs who have earned their places through exceptional performances in prestigious tournaments. These players will not only vie for the coveted Green Jacket but also aim to secure the Silver Cup, awarded to the lowest-scoring amateur who makes the cut.

The inclusion of these amateurs continues the Masters’ tradition of fostering emerging talent. While no amateur has ever donned the Green Jacket, the pursuit of the Silver Cup remains a prestigious goal. Historically, three amateurs have finished as runners-up in the Masters, with Charles Coe being the most recent in 1961. The last decade has seen amateurs like Sam Bennett (T16 in 2023) and Neal Shipley (2024’s low amateur) make significant impressions, highlighting the potential for impactful performances. ​

Five Amateurs at the 2025 Masters Tournament

As these five amateurs prepare to navigate the storied fairways and greens of Augusta National, they carry not only their personal aspirations but also the hopes of their respective communities and the broader amateur golf fraternity. Their journeys to the Masters exemplify dedication, skill, and the enduring allure of the amateur spirit in the game of golf.

Jose Luis Ballester: U.S. Amateur Champion

Jose Luis Ballester, a 21-year-old from Spain, made history by becoming the first Spaniard to win the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2024. His victory at Hazeltine National Golf Club secured his invitation to Augusta. A senior at Arizona State University, Ballester follows in the footsteps of fellow Sun Devil Phil Mickelson, who clinched the U.S. Amateur in 1990. Ballester’s game is characterized by precision and a deep understanding of course management, attributes that will serve him well on the undulating terrains of Augusta National. ​

Noah Kent: U.S. Amateur Runner-Up

Noah Kent earned his spot at the Masters as the runner-up in the 2024 U.S. Amateur. Transitioning from the University of Iowa to the University of Florida, Kent has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. His recent top-10 finish at the Patriot All-America Invitational and participation in the Houston Open, despite missing the cut, reflect his commitment to elevating his game. Kent’s journey underscores a determination that could make him a formidable competitor at Augusta. ​

Evan Beck: U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion

At 34, Evan Beck brings a wealth of experience to the amateur contingent. His commanding 9-and-8 victory at the 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship at Kinloch Golf Club showcased his strategic acumen and mental fortitude. Balancing a professional career with competitive golf, Beck’s participation highlights the diverse pathways leading to Augusta. His seasoned perspective may provide an edge in navigating the complexities of the course. ​

Justin Hastings: Latin America Amateur Champion

Representing the Cayman Islands, Justin Hastings secured his Masters invitation by winning the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship. A senior at San Diego State University, Hastings has been making waves in collegiate golf, challenging records set by alumni like Xander Schauffele. His recent runner-up finish at the Southwestern Invitational and a top-15 placement at the Mexico Open on the PGA Tour signal a player in ascending form. Hastings’ participation marks a significant milestone for golf in the Caribbean region. ​

Hiroshi Tai: NCAA Individual Champion

Hiroshi Tai’s victory at the 2024 NCAA Division I Individual Championship earned him a place in the Masters field. As a member of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Tai has honed his skills in a competitive collegiate environment. Notably, he becomes the first golfer from Singapore to compete in the Masters, adding an international flair to the tournament. Tai’s disciplined approach and technical proficiency will be tested against the challenges of Augusta National. ​