Jon Rahm, the Spanish sensation who claimed the green jacket in 2023, spent his college years at Arizona State University. Known for its strong golf program, ASU provided Rahm with the perfect platform to develop his skills.
During his time as a Sun Devil, Rahm racked up numerous collegiate victories and was twice named the Ben Hogan Award winner as the nation's top college golfer. His success at ASU set the stage for his rapid rise in the professional ranks.
Scottie Scheffler, a two-time Masters champion (2022 and 2024), played his college golf at the University of Texas at Austin. As a Longhorn, Scheffler was part of a storied program that has produced numerous PGA Tour pros.
His time in Austin saw him earn Big 12 Player of the Year honors and helped prepare him for the pressure-packed environments he'd face as a pro. Scheffler's collegiate experience clearly paid off, as he quickly established himself as one of the world's best players after turning pro.
Dustin Johnson, who won the Masters in 2020, attended Coastal Carolina University. While not as well-known as some golf powerhouses, CCU's program helped DJ develop his prodigious talent.
Johnson's time as a Chanticleer saw him win multiple collegiate events and earn All-American honors. His success at Coastal Carolina laid the groundwork for his future dominance on the PGA Tour and his eventual Masters triumph.
Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer of all time, spent two years at Stanford University before turning pro. During his brief but impressive college career, Woods won the NCAA individual championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year twice.
His time at Stanford, though short, helped refine his already impressive skills. Woods went on to win the Masters five times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019), cementing his legacy as a golfing legend.
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, played college golf at Augusta University (formerly Augusta State University). Ironically, Reed's college career was spent in the same city as the Masters Tournament.
As a Jaguar, Reed led his team to back-to-back NCAA Division I championships in 2010 and 2011. His experience playing in Augusta during his college years undoubtedly contributed to his later success at the Masters.
Jordan Spieth, who won the Masters in 2015, also attended the University of Texas at Austin. As a Longhorn, Spieth was a standout player, helping the team win the NCAA championship in 2012.
His college career, though brief (he turned pro after his sophomore year), was marked by numerous individual victories and accolades. Spieth's time at Texas prepared him well for his rapid ascent in professional golf.
Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion (2012 and 2014), played his college golf at the University of Georgia. As a Bulldog, Watson helped the team win the SEC championship in 2000. He wasn't the most decorated college player.
However, his time at Georgia allowed him to develop the creative shot-making skills that would become his trademark on the PGA Tour. Watson's unique style of play, honed during his college years, proved to be a perfect fit for Augusta National.
Adam Scott, who won the Masters in 2013, spent part of his college career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Although he only spent a year and a half at UNLV before turning pro, Scott's time as a Rebel helped him transition from amateur to professional golf.
The competitive college golf environment in the United States provided valuable experience for the Australian, who would go on to become the first player from his country to win the Masters.
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion (2004, 2006, 2010), had an illustrious college career at Arizona State University. Lefty won an impressive 16 collegiate tournaments during his time as a Sun Devil and claimed three NCAA individual championships.
Mickelson's dominance at the college level was a clear indicator of the success he would achieve as a professional. His years at ASU laid the foundation for a career that would include multiple major championships.
Zach Johnson, who won the Masters in 2007, played his college golf at Drake University in Iowa. While Drake isn't known as a golf powerhouse, Johnson's time there was crucial in his development as a player.
He was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and won the conference individual title as a senior. Johnson's success at a smaller program demonstrates that talent and hard work can lead to major championship success, regardless of one's collegiate background.
Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters champion, attended Brigham Young University (BYU) for his college golf. As a Cougar, Weir was a first-team All-American and won the Western Athletic Conference individual title.
His time at BYU helped him refine his game and prepare for the challenges of professional golf. Weir's Masters victory made him the first Canadian and first left-handed player to win the tournament.
Mark O'Meara, who won the Masters in 1998, played his college golf at California State University, Long Beach (Long Beach State). As a 49er, O'Meara was a standout player, earning All-American honors.
His college career helped shape him into the consistent and reliable player he would become on the PGA Tour. O'Meara's Masters win came later in his career, proving that the fundamentals learned in college can pay dividends for years to come.
Ben Crenshaw, a two-time Masters champion (1984 and 1995), was a golf prodigy at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time as a Longhorn, Crenshaw won three consecutive NCAA individual championships from 1971 to 1973, a feat that remains unmatched.
His college dominance foreshadowed the success he would have as a professional, particularly at Augusta National. Crenshaw's putting skills, honed on the college courses of Texas, became legendary on the PGA Tour.
Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, played his college golf at the University of Houston. The Cougars' golf program was a powerhouse during Couples' time there, and he thrived in the competitive environment.
As a collegiate player, Couples was a first-team All-American and helped lead Houston to several tournament victories. His experience playing alongside other future PGA Tour pros at Houston prepared him well for the challenges of professional golf.
Larry Mize, who won the Masters in 1987, attended the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). As a Yellow Jacket, Mize was a solid player, though not as decorated as some of his contemporaries.
However, his time at Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, gave him plenty of experience playing in Georgia's conditions. This familiarity with the state's golf courses may have contributed to his success at Augusta National, where he achieved his most famous victory with a chip-in on the second playoff hole.
