What of the four major golf tournaments was founded in 1934 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, has one of the smallest fields due to the event being invitational only, and automatically accepts the champion into the other three prestigious yearly tournaments?
None other than the Masters.
The golf event that anyone who considers themselves important feels the need to attend, the event in which thousands of people sit hooked in front of their televisions, and where the winner receives millions of dollars and the famous green jacket which represents that you are officially considered a “master” at golf.
In the year of 2026, Rory McIlroy pulled ahead and took home the prize for his second consecutive year in a row. The Irish professional golfer took home the green jacket previously in 2025, and with a total of -12 points got to take home the reward for a second year. Last year he was able to complete a Career Glam Slam, meaning that he had won all four major golf tournaments (the Masters, the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship) over the course of his life. The world is able to respect him as a true master at golf, and an honorable champion that future generations are able to look up to.
Sam McCabe, a sophomore at Hingham High School, is on the girls golf team and has been practicing the skill for years. She exclaims how, “Watching the Masters truly motivates me and makes me want to take my game in golf to the next level.” Sam felt that being able to watch the Masters was a great chance to learn from exceptional golfers, and she now wants to apply herself more on her team and try her absolute hardest to be the best she can be at golf.
Rory McIlroy is not only influencing young golf players, but spreading the inspiring message, that persistence and hard work is the key to success and achieving your goals. Caroline MacDonald, another sophomore at Hingham High School, is a multi-season athlete taking a heavy course load for her second year of high school. She explains how she is, “Really happy for Rory and he’s an excellent golfer and he is so dedicated and hard working. I especially connected with an interview where he discussed consistency and I found that inspirational to keep pushing through school and sports.” Caroline found that his view on determination and being able to commit your entire self to a goal that you yourself set to be exactly the words she wanted to hear. She found that his idea of perseverance was relatable and a reminder that she was also working towards an end goal in high school.
The Masters is not always seen as the most exhilarating event and often there is controversy regarding how interesting golf actually is, or who attends the Masters as a guest and whether they are fit to “earn” a spot to watch. The truth is, the Masters represents the pinnacle of professional golf, and it is a traditional American event held in Augusta, Georgia. Some families who have attended the Masters for generations argue that the lottery system is unfair and how it is inequitable that anyone can win the lottery and attend the event. Personally, I believe that the current system in place perfectly reflects traditional American values and continues the idea that the Masters is an event not just created for a certain group of privileged people, but anyone of any background is able to apply for the chance of attending. The belief that America is a place full of opportunity, that the United States is the Land of the Free, a place where dreams can come true, at least still exists in the famous golfing event, the Masters.
