Who is the Masters marker? Meet the Augusta member who has the best job in golf
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The Masters marker is the envy of every golfer on the planet. Here’s what you need to know…
Every year, one Augusta National member has the chance to become the envy of golfers all over the world and tee it up alongside one of the game’s best by playing the role of the Masters marker.
Here’s what we know…
So what does the Masters marker do?
Quite simply, he makes up the field.
When an odd number of players make the cut in the first men’s major of the year at the iconic Georgia venue, someone is required to make up a weekend twosome.
That’s when the Masters marker gets the call.
Wait, didn’t he beat Rory McIlroy?
You’re thinking of the previous Masters marker – a man by the name of Jeff Knox.
Knox became something of a Masters cult hero for his exploits when playing with the pros under major conditions.
Knox made his first appearance as a marker at his home course in 2002 and has claimed some incredible scalps.
Renowned for his prowess on the treacherous Augusta National greens, Knox famously shot a 70 to Rory McIlroy’s 71 on Saturday in 2014.
He has also beaten the likes of Sergio Garcia and Larry Mize. (Though, in Mize’s defence, he was 63 at the time.)
Come on then – who is the current Masters marker?
Since 2022, the honor has belonged to Michael McDermott.
McDermott only had to wait one year to make his debut in the role, partnering Mike Weir during the second round of the 87th Masters after the 2003 champion’s playing partner Kevin Na withdrew.
But if there were any nerves pulsing through McDermott’s veins as he prepared to hit his opening tee shot, he did not succumb to them.
Knox was on the first tee to pass over the torch and watched as his younger replacement smoked it more than 300 yards down the fairway and well past Weir’s effort.
It should have perhaps come as no surprise that he settled quickly. The man from Pennsylvania is, after all, clearly a very accomplished player.
He is a two-time winner of the Crump Cup, an elite amateur tournament at Pine Valley – where he is also a member – and made it to the last eight of the 2016 US Mid-Amateur after medalling in the stroke play qualifying element of the event.
McDermott didn’t get the chance to tee it up in the 2024 Masters after an even number of players made the cut, but he will tee up in the 89th edition. He started by playing alongside Tom Kim on Saturday, and the PGA Tour winner was impressed.
“He played great. Hits the ball really far. His irons – sometimes he grabbed one club longer than me. He was a complete baller,” Kim told TG.
More from the Masters…
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Masters marker Michael McDermott.
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Rory McIlroy and former Masters marker Jeff Knox
