UT golfer Jackson Herrington concludes Masters debut with joint-best amateur score
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — University of Tennessee golfer Jackson Herrington’s first appearance at The Masters concluded Friday, but not before he finished with the joint-best score among the six amateur competitors. The Dickson, Tennessee native posted a 4-over-par 76 for the second straight day , finishing +8 and tied for 69th place.
While he did not make the cut to continue playing through the weekend, Herrington tied Oklahoma State’s for the best performance by an amateur the 2026 Masters. Vols help Vols: Peyton Manning assists family of UT golfer making Masters debut Herrington began his second round even par of the first nine holes. On the back nine, the 19-year-old struggled at the vaunted 12th hole known as “Golden Bell,” posting a triple bogey.
He was able to maintain composure and convert six consecutive pars to finish out the round. “I made it here, so that’s something in and of itself”, Herrington said. “If I keep doing what I’ve been doing and mature and learn from this week, I’ll be back and we’ll have one of those green jackets on.
It was a special experience, and I can’t wait to be back someday. Hopefully next year. ” From rescue to celebrity: Smokey XII primed for Neyland Stadium debut He’ll get another shot to compete at a major championship this year.
Since Herrington finished as the runner-up at the 2025 U. S. Amateur Championship, he has received an exemption into the 2026 U.