MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 6, 2026

Mason Howell

Quick Quotes

Q. Talk about the experience with the fans.

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, being able to play with Harris and Jacob today, obviously two big names, Jacob having won this year, drew a decent sized crowd and just being here at the Masters playing in front of this many people, it's awesome. Really looking forward to the future because I hope I'm out here every single year, but today was a lot of fun and a good start to the week.

Q. Any highlights?

MASON HOWELL: I hit a good shot on 6 today, almost made a hole-in-one, so that would have been pretty sweet, but we'll save it for the tournament.

Q. I can't imagine walking in your shoes.

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, it's kind of a lot to handle. It's a long week, but I'm keeping it to nine a day, focusing on myself and then whenever Thursday comes, I know I'll be pretty nervous but excited at the same time so if I keep a smile on my face, I think the rest will take care of itself.

Q. Did you get a lot of, go Dawgs out there today?

MASON HOWELL: A lot of, go Dawgs, especially playing with Harris. I put on my Georgia belt today. It was a good day.

Q. Are you staying at the Crow's Nest?

MASON HOWELL: I am. I'm staying in the Crow's Nest tonight after the amateur dinner. I'm going to get back and change into my suit and come back this evening for that.

Q. What's the main goal for this evening?

MASON HOWELL: I would say just putting four good rounds together. That's kind of a good goal for me and I think soaking it all in and putting a smile on my face. I think the rest will take care of itself.

Q. How has this compared is a far? You watched it on TV growing up and now you're playing it.

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, it exceeds expectations. Every time stepping foot on this property, it's truly incredible. Yeah, obviously I can't wait for the week to get started, but I know when it does it'll be gone in the blink of an eye. I wish it would honestly slow down. Just trying to soak it all in.

Q. How many rounds have you played out here before and are the conditions different as you get ready for this week?

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, I used my five visits coming into this week. The greens are starting to speed up a little bit, starting to firm up, but we had some rain yesterday. It's definitely getting there. But I know the difference between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, it might be a completely different golf course. You never know.

Q. Speaking of Thursday, visualization. Did you visualize that tee shot with Rory in that round?

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, like I said, I'll be super excited but at the same time I'll be super nervous. I think just controlling my emotions and sticking to my game plan and just having fun.

Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it'll be a super special moment for me. I can't oggle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself. It'll be fun.

Q. What was it like to be out there with Harris today? I know you guys have known each other for a long time.

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, no, it was awesome. Harry is awesome to play with. He's such a good dude. Being able to -- he has so much experience out here and to be able to pick his brain a little bit, it was fun. It was fun hearing all the, go Dawgs out there.

Q. Did he give you any advice?

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, you've just got to work hard. It's a lot to balance between school and golf and travel, being gone a lot. Just keep working hard. I like to say I can put golf first, but that may not be the case. But no, I'm looking forward to getting to Athens this fall.

Q. When you look at all the former Bulldogs competing in this tournament, what statement do you feel like that makes about Georgia golf?

MASON HOWELL: I definitely think Georgia has one of the most historic golf programs in the country. There's so many dogs in the field this week. It's hard to argue what Coach hack has done and how many great players he's produced. Definitely hoping to continue that legacy with the program.

Q. Is there a balance between an overload of information or thinking about this too much and still being able to come out here and play free?

MASON HOWELL: You know, you can overthink it, you can work yourself up, but at the end of the day, everybody is on the first tee starting at the same score. Just like I said, focusing on myself and just trying to execute the shots and stick to the game plan and just see where that puts me the rest of the week.

Q. Talking with Harris, you guys from Thomasville and that club area, how cool was it growing up probably knowing him and now playing a practice round with him?

MASON HOWELL: No, Harris is awesome, being able to shoot him a text and him respond, it's kind of like having a big brother out here except he has so much more experience than I do. Being able to pick his brain and walk around the property with him, it's awesome. Being from the same area in south Georgia, it makes it even more special, and I'm looking forward to being a Dawg just like him.

Q. You have all the amateur traditions tonight. What are you most excited about and why?

MASON HOWELL: I would say staying in the Crow's Nest tonight will be awesome. Hopefully I'll sleep well. I think my feet might be hanging off the end of the bed, but it'll be good. The amateur dinner will be super special. Not many people can say they've been to that. Really looking forward to this evening.

Q. How much friends and family come out to support you playing a tournament you've dreamt of playing in your entire life?

MASON HOWELL: Yeah, there's a lot of people traveled up from Thomasville, and I can't thank them enough. But having some family here all week and having some friends come and go as the week goes on, it's super special. To know they have my back no matter what, they're going to keep me smiling, and hopefully I can provide them with some good golf and good entertainment, so it should be fun.