It’s one of the most exclusive venues in world sport – a course professionals typically only set foot on once a year during Masters week. The field is limited to just 92 players, adding to the aura. 

Membership at Augusta National is equally rarefied, capped at around 300 at any given time. It’s so exclusive that even US president Donald Trump, a well-known golf enthusiast, is not among its members – something he has attempted to achieve for many years.

Only three South Africans will tee it up this week, led by Charl Schwartzel – a member of an even more elite club at Augusta after claiming the coveted Green Jacket in 2011. He remains the last South African to win the Masters. 

Charl Schwartzel being handed the Green Jacket by Phil Mickelson in 2011. Photo: Southern Guards

The only other South Africans to have achieved that honour are Gary Player (1961, 1974, 1978) and Trevor Immelman (2008). Schwartzel's great friend Louis Oosthuizen was the runner-up in 2012, after losing in the second hole of a sudden-death play-off to Bubba Watson.

Rising star Aldrich Potgieter and reigning South African Open champion Casey Jarvis, who will be making his Masters debut, are the other South African challengers.

Schwartzel, who will play in his 17th Masters, and now competes on the LIV Golf circuit with the Southern Guards, says the drive down Magnolia Lane never loses its magic – and for him, the famous par-3 16th remains unforgettable. “Every year you go back, you realise just how special Augusta is,” said Schwartzel.

Attie and Charl Schwartzel at the 2017 Masters. Photo: Southern Guards

“When you’re younger, you’re focused on performing, but as you get older, you gain a real appreciation for what it means to be there. It’s a privilege to return every year.

“For me, it’s always that stretch around 15 and 16. Making that putt on 16 and hearing the crowd erupt – that moment has always stayed with me. It’s such a beautiful course, but there’s something about 16 that will always stand out.”

His return to Augusta follows a memorable home appearance at LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City, where the all-South African quartet – Schwartzel, Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester and Branden Grace – thrilled record crowds in Johannesburg in a landmark moment for the local game.

By winning the 2026 SA Open, Casey Jarvis qualified to play at the Masters as well as the Open Championship for the first time. Photo: Sunshine Tour

The team finished second in the competition, with more than 100 000 spectators turning out over the four days – cementing the tournament as one of the top four golfing events globally.

Schwartzel said the experience of playing in front of home fans was something he’ll always treasure.

“I’m very proud of the way I fought through it. I wasn’t able to hit the driver and had a bit of a back issue, but I made the best of what I had and gave it everything.

Alrich Potgieter, 21, will play at the Masters for the second time in his career. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“The whole week, just playing in front of those crowds – everyone we played with kept talking about how incredible it was. That’s what we set out to achieve, and it exceeded all expectations. It was special.”

He added staying competitive at the highest level requires constant evolution.

“As you get older, you realise that if you want to compete with the younger guys, you have to step it up. If you don’t look after your body, you fall behind quickly.

Gary Player remains South Africa's most successful golfer at the Masters with wins in 1961, 1974, and 1978. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It came down to a decision – either you let it go, or you put in the work and give yourself more years at the top. For me, it was about making that commitment, and the results are starting to show.”

Potgieter will be the first South African in action during Thursday’s opening round. He tees off at 14:02 in Group 3 alongside Spain’s José María Olazábal and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Potgieter played at the Masters in 2023 as a 19-year-old.

Schwartzel follows at 14:26 in Group 5, playing with American Max Greyserman and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.

Jarvis, meanwhile, begins his Masters journey at 14:50, alongside Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan and American Kurt Kitayama.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm