Augusta National Course Record Shattered During Masters Practice Round
Augusta National Course Record Shattered During Masters Practice Round...
Golf history was made Wednesday morning when an unknown amateur player carded a 61 during a Masters Tournament practice round at Augusta National, breaking the storied course's unofficial record. The score, witnessed by dozens of spectators and confirmed by multiple marshals, has sent shockwaves through the golf world just days before the 2026 Masters begins.
The player, identified as 24-year-old Georgia Tech engineering student Jason Whitmore, achieved the feat on a misty morning with near-perfect course conditions. His round included nine birdies and an eagle on the par-5 15th, with no bogeys. While practice rounds don't count as official records, no player has ever posted a lower score at Augusta National under any circumstances.
Augusta National officials declined to comment on the achievement, maintaining their traditional silence about unofficial play. However, multiple PGA Tour players practicing nearby confirmed witnessing portions of the historic round. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler told reporters, "When you hear whispers about a 61 out here, you stop what you're doing to watch."
The news went viral on social media after golf influencer Amanda Rose tweeted video of Whitmore's final putt, which has garnered over 2 million views. Golf Digest immediately published swing analysis of the amateur's unorthodox but effective technique. ESPN reported that multiple equipment manufacturers have already reached out to Whitmore.
This development comes at a pivotal moment for the sport, as the PGA Tour continues efforts to attract younger audiences. Whitmore's story - a college student outperforming professionals on golf's most hallowed ground - has captured mainstream attention beyond traditional golf fans. The Masters begins Thursday with heightened anticipation about whether any player can approach Whitmore's mark during competition.
Weather forecasts suggest ideal scoring conditions for the tournament's opening rounds, raising the possibility of an official course record challenge. The current competitive record of 63, shared by Nick Price and Greg Norman, has stood since 1996. Tournament officials have made no changes to the course setup in response to Wednesday's events.
Whitmore, who gained entry through his status as the U.S. Amateur runner-up, declined interview requests through Georgia Tech's athletic department. His first competitive round at Augusta National begins Thursday at 9:45 AM ET, paired with past champion Hideki Matsuyama.
