Ruth Ayala Terrazas ’29
Staff Writer
Described as one of the most prestigious sporting events of the year, the 90th Masters took place last week from April 9 through April 12. However, as the tournament approached, there was growing criticism about how to maintain its classy and strict image while also adapting to its increasing popularity.
One issue that drew attention was ESPN bringing in Jason Kelce. Since retiring from the NFL, Kelce has transitioned into broadcasting and commentary, expanding beyond football into other sports, including golf. In fact, the Masters marked only the second golf event where he played a significant role, the first being a TGL event the previous month.
At Augusta, Kelce served as ESPN’s on course reporter for the Par 3 Contest, adding an unexpected voice to the coverage. While some traditional fans questioned this decision, others saw it as a way to bring new audiences into the sport.
The Masters Par 3 Contest itself is one of the most unique and beloved traditions of the tournament. It allows players to celebrate the achievement of qualifying for the Masters in a relaxed and family-oriented setting before the intensity of the main competition begins.
The contest is much shorter, consisting of only nine holes, and players often act as caddies to family members. One young and upcoming star that golf fans were excited to see on the course this year was Tommy Fleetwood’s son, Frankie.
At last year’s Par 3 Contest, Frankie went viral online for attempting to clear Ike’s Pond on the ninth hole. This year, once again, he tried but fell short. Nonetheless, in an interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, Frankie stated, “When we get back here, I’ll see if I can do it.”
Moments like this help the tournament accomplish its goal of maintaining tradition, while also attracting a wider audience. It highlights one of the many crucial aspects of the sport, which is persistence.
Scottie Scheffler continues to manage the pressure of staying on top. Ludvig Åberg, one of the sport’s rising stars, has quickly adapted to the demands of major tournaments, and Cameron Young is still pushing for his breakthrough win. Even Rory McIlroy’s journey reflects this persistence, as it took him 16 attempts before finally winning his first Masters in 2025 on his 17th try.
At the start of the 2026 Masters, only three players in history, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, had ever won back to back titles. Rory McIlroy entered the tournament with the opportunity to join this elite group.
By the beginning of the final round on Sunday, McIlroy was tied for the lead at 11-under par. He went on to shoot a final round 71, finishing at 12-under par and securing victory by one stroke over Scottie Scheffler.
With this win, McIlroy made history, becoming just the fourth player ever to win consecutive Masters titles. During the Green Jacket Ceremony, McIlroy delivered a notable remark about his parents, saying, “They weren’t here last year to celebrate with us, and surprisingly I had to convince them to come this year because they thought that the reason I won was because they weren’t here. So I am glad that we proved that wrong. But mom and dad, I owe everything to you.”
The 2026 Masters was precisely a masterclass in how a sporting event establishes balance between tradition and change. From debates over media choices to heartwarming moments in the Par 3 Contest and historic achievements on the course, the tournament continues to bring viewers surprises. Just like the players who compete in it, the Masters itself reflects persistence: adapting over time while never losing sight of what defines it.
Featured image courtesy of The Detroit News
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