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Brandon Holtz is one of the better stories happening around the Masters

Brandon Holtz is one of the more interesting stories at this year’s Masters

The Masters - Round One
The Masters - Round One
Masters champion Bubba Watson of the United States, Nicolas Echavarria of Colombia, and Amateur Brandon Holtz of the United States on No. 1 during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 09, 2026. (Photo by Logan Whitton/Augusta National/Getty Images)
Augusta National/Getty Images

The Masters is full of stories.

Everywhere you look, just about between every azalez, something special is in the process of unfolding.

One of the best stories at this year’s Masters has to do with one of the amateurs in the field in Brandon Holtz. You see, Holtz isn’t just an amateur playing in the greatest tournament that golf has to offer.

Holts is from Bloomington, IL and qualified for this year’s Masters by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur tournament late in 2025. There are very few precious spots up for grabs in the Masters every year and he managed to procure one.

Part of what is so fun about Holtz is that where he is from in Bloomington is also where State Farm is headquartered. Coincidentally Brandon’s father retired from State Farm and his brother is an active agent.

Brandon’s dad is serving as his caddy for the Masters and the duo posted an 81 during Thursday’s opening round. While they made the trek through the most beautiful course in the world they did so with Brandon donning State Farm’s classic look of red and khaki.

What’s more is that Brandon had a set of custom golf balls that featured supportive messages from his family.

All the best to Brandon during Friday’s round.

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