Who is the Augusta National marker?
Who is the Augusta National marker at the Masters and what is their role? We reveal all about this tournament tradition
Legendary Augusta National marker Jeff Knox was an unsung hero of the Masters but, having served since 2002, handed over the reins in 2023 to club member, and Philadelphia native, Michael McDermott.
The 47-year-old McDermott made it to the round of 16 at the US Amateur 20 years ago, so he is no slouch with a wedge in his hand.
What does the Augusta National marker do?
The Augusta National marker is called upon when there is an odd number of players in the field.
He is usually called into action after the halfway cut is made, but McDermott’s debut came 24 hours earlier than expected when Kevin Na’s first-round withdrawal from the 2023 Masters meant Mike Weir would be playing on his own on day two.
As for their job, while the Augusta National marker does get to play the full 18 as if they were in the tournament, they are simply there to sign their playing partner’s scorecard. Their score does not count or affect the Masters leaderboard.
Knox’s finest hour came in 2014 when he outscored Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman described him as the best he’s seen on the treacherous greens in Georgia.
It will come as no surprise that Knox also holds the Augusta National course record off the member tees thanks to a 61 that earned his place in the Georgia Hall of Fame in 2017.
That’s some big shoes for McDermott to fill but he’s already off and running…
Have your say
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
