How Genesis Scottish Open win was 'kick-start' for Masters debutant

Chris Gotterup admits his Genesis Scottish Open win last summer was the “kick-start” for him bidding to become the first player since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 to become Masters champion at the first attempt.

The American pulled off something of a surprise at the time when he held off 2023 winner Rory McIlroy to win last year’s Rolex Series event at The Renaissance Club.

Helped by adding victories in both the Sony Open in Hawaii and WM Phoenix Open earlier this year, Gotterup is the world No 11 and among the favourites heading into his first Augusta National appearance this week.

Chris Gotterup pictured on the practice range prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club | Andrew Redington/Getty Images

“I think that event kind of kick-started everything for me,” he admitted in a media conference on Monday. “I felt like I was at a good frame of my game at that point heading into that week.

“I had a couple of top 25s and was playing well. Since then, I feel like I've kicked it into a different gear. That tournament gave me a ton of confidence going up against a great field.”

Having put himself in contention on the back of a sensational 61 in the second round, Gotterup closed with a 66 to win by two shots from both McIlroy and Marco Penge on the East Lothian coast.

“Obviously Sunday was a big day for me,” he added after playing a practice round with Justin Rose, the 2014 Genesis Scottish Open champion. “Being over there playing links golf on a different type of grass.

‘My game travelled really well over there’

“I felt like my game travelled really well over there, and it's travelled to different places like Sony. It's a very different course. I feel like I've won on different courses, and that gives me confidence being able to bring it to any course.”

Chris Gotterup shows off the trophy after his win in the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club last summer | Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Gotterup is among 22 first-timers in the field for the 90th edition, which is the first one to be played since Zoeller passed away at the age of 74 last November.

“I have gotten offers to come watch the tournament from sponsors or from whoever it may be, and I said I can't go over there until I play, or else if I'm retired, then I can go over,” he said, laughing.

“It's just that I think this is such a special event, and it's something that I wanted to experience playing rather than watching. I get a little stubborn, and it would not be an enjoyable experience for me. Even though it would be bucket list for a lot of people, I want to play, and I want to be a part of it how I see fit.”