Opinion & Analysis
A family affair: First twins to play in Masters
One of the most beautiful things about golf is how it brings families together. Every year at the PNC Championship, professional golfers team up with their kids, sharing playful moments and showcasing the similarities that often span generations. This is an excellent reminder that family ties run deep in this sport.
This year, the Masters Tournament is set to take that family connection to an exciting new level. Augusta National has extended an invitation to Nicolai Højgaard, allowing him to join his twin brother Rasmus, who earned his spot through his Official World Golf Ranking. This marks a historic moment—it’s the first time twins will compete at the Masters, and it promises to bring an unprecedented family dynamic to this celebrated event.
Seeing Nicolai and Rasmus on the golf course has always been something special. In a sport where family connections often intersect with talent and strategy, their participation in the Masters is not just about personal success; it’s a real celebration of what family means.
Golf has a rich history of strengthening family bonds. From those early days of putting around in the backyard with parents to enjoying a casual weekend round, the sport creates a nurturing environment for these ties to flourish. As Nicolai and Rasmus step onto the iconic fairways of Augusta National, they will embody that spirit like never before.
While they share genes and a love for golf, each brother brings his own unique style and competitive spirit to the game. Their impressive careers are testaments to their talent and determination. Nicolai’s unexpected invitation to the Masters highlights his personal achievement and the larger story of sibling support and shared dreams that have fueled both of their journeys.
The Masters Tournament is steeped in history and lore, a gathering place for the best of the best on one of golf’s most prestigious stages. It’s fitting that in this legendary setting, the Højgaard twins will showcase their skills while highlighting their inspiring bond. Watching them play won’t just be about competition—it’ll be a poignant reminder of the deep connection between brothers who have consistently pushed each other to excel.
Seeing Nicolai and Rasmus compete side by side will remind us of golf’s core values: integrity, respect, and, most importantly, family. Their participation in the Masters goes beyond merely sharing the course; it tells a heartwarming story of partnership, encouragement, and the joy of chasing dreams together.
As they prepare to tee off this April, their journey is bound to inspire not only golf fans but anyone who understands the profound impact of family support and shared aspirations. In sports, moments like this are rare and precious; they remind us that, while trophies and accolades are great, the memories we create with loved ones truly define our legacy.
In a sport where tradition meets innovation, the Højgaard twins’ appearance at the Masters is a touching narrative of unity, proving once again that family and golf truly go hand in hand.
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Opinion & Analysis
AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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