Most amateurs arrive at Augusta National hoping to make the cut. Some dream of making it to Butler Cabin on Sunday as the low amateur.
Jackson Herrington is looking to defy the odds as an amateur.
“My goal is to win the tournament,” Herrington told the Augusta Chronicle. “That’s my mindset.”
The University of Tennessee sophomore is one of six amateurs competing in the 2026 Masters field. While most amateurs in his position are chasing the low amateur honors, Herrington’s sights are set on something far greater and greener, the green jacket he’s envisioned himself wearing since childhood.
“Every night I would hit putts to win the Masters,” Herrington told the Augusta Chronicle, discussing his childhood growing up in Dickson, Tennessee.
Herrington earned his spot at the 2026 Masters with a runner-up finish at the 2025 U.S. Amateur. Herrington is approaching this week with a mindset built on belief and preparation.
After mustering the courage to ask Bryson Dechambeau, a top golfer in the world, for a practice round, Herrington found himself on the first tee with one of golf’s biggest superstars.
“I would say I was a little bit nervous on the first tee today,” Herrington said. “After that, just kept telling myself I belong and they’re just no better than I am.”
Herrington’s play and confidence didn’t go unnoticed, receiving praise from DeChambeau.
“All the way back in 2016, after 35 holes, I was close to leading the tournament as an amateur,” DeChambeau said. “I played with Jackson today, an amateur. And he’s got an unbelievable game. He’s got the same ball speed as me. If he catches fire, he could be doing that, too.”
For Herrington, this week is about more than just competition; it’s about maximizing every opportunity that competing in the Masters has to offer.
Herrington opened his Masters experience by attending the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on Saturday, followed by a practice round with Tommy Fleetwood on Monday before teaming up with DeChambeau for the remaining practice rounds.
“It was awesome to get out there in that atmosphere with Bryson and pick his brain on the course,” Herrington said. “Talked to Rory (McIlroy) a little bit on Saturday. He’s definitely exceeded my expectations of how nice he was. Same with Bryson and Tommy. Everyone has been super nice to me.”
Herrington knows how special these moments are.
“I think that’s something that if I didn’t go up to him, I would definitely be kicking myself,” he said. “It’s been really awesome.”
Still, Herrington’s focus is on competing, not just being a participant.
“I know I can do it,” Herrington told the Augusta Chronicle. “It’s all about confidence and having the right prep.”
While history suggests that the challenge ahead is steep, as no amateur has ever won the Masters and few have even seriously contended, Herrington isn’t backing down from the moment.
For Tennessee, his participation at Augusta marks a major moment for the current state of the program. For Herrington, it means something bigger. He isn’t just chasing low amateur honors; he’s chasing a green jacket in a tournament where he believes he belongs.
Herrington is set to tee off Thursday at 8:14 a.m. ET, grouped with Sami Valimaki and two-time major winner and 2009 Masters Champion, Angel Cabrera. The group will tee off at 11:27 a.m. ET on Friday for the second round, in hopes of making the cut.
