It's been a great start to the season for Chris Gotterup and Jacob Bridgeman. But Tom Hoge and Michael Kim aren't giving up.

Editor's Note: This article is published in partnership with Betsperts Golf, a Golf Digest content partner.

Chris Gotterup had an embarrassing moment in the opening round of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina on Thursday.

Masters rookies Ben Griffin, Chris Gotterup and Kristoffer Reitan are high on the leaderboard, chasing history.

Free Sleeper Picks and Predictions for the 2026 Masters beginning Thursday, April 9.

First-time participants almost never win the Masters. Then again, they rarely show up with a résumé like Chris Gotterup’s.

Fuzzy Zoeller was the last rookie to win the Masters back in 1979

This year, that rookie is Chris Gotterup. Reuters noted that he said he is not nervous about Augusta National itself, though he expects understandable first-tee nerves because of the occasion. Of course, confidence alone is not enough here.

Chris Gotterup, a multiple PGA Tour winner, is making his Masters debut and knows power alone won't win at Augusta.