The Masters Tournament is always full of storylines. Just in the last 10-plus years, golf’s most hallowed grounds have seen 21-year-old Jordan Spieth tie Tiger Woods’ record of 18-under par in his 2015 triumph, an unlikely champion in Danny Willett the following year, Tiger’s “return to glory” in 2019, the lone November Masters in 2020, amateur Sam Bennett’s run in 2023, Rory capturing his career Grand Slam and more.
This year was no different, and those around the Chicago District and beyond rallied behind Bloomington’s Brandon Holtz as he competed for the first time by way of winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur last fall. Holtz, a former Illinois State basketball player turned real estate agent, had attended the Masters numerous times with family and friends in years past. This time around, however, he provided many with a story they could resonate with while competing with his dad on the bag. See below for an assortment of social media posts highlighting Holtz’s journey to Augusta National:
Holtz joined the April 4 episode of The “CDGA Golf Show” presented by Glenview Park Golf Club to discuss his preparation for Augusta and what he was most looking forward to.
The Holtz family welcomed GOLF.com to Central Illinois ahead of the Masters to talk about Brandon’s journey from patron to participant.
Holtz joined Hally Leadbetter and Chicago’s Roger Steele to talk about his experience playing in his first Masters.
State Farm documented Holtz opening golf balls with words of encouragement from his friends and family as he left for Augusta.
Basketball influencer Cullen Honohan documented Holtz’s basketball background and encouraged his nearly 2 million followers to keep an eye on Holtz during the tournament.
The renowned golfwear brand spotlighted Holtz leading up to the Masters, while also outfitting him during his time at Augusta National.
Holtz teamed up with Chicago-based Little Sundays Golf (Learn more about the company HERE) to provide his children with Masters-themed golf bags to use during the Par-3 Contest.
Holtz’s employer, REMAX®, wished him luck as his Masters journey began through its social media channels. The company also sponsored Holtz, as seen through its logo on his golf bag.
CBS Sports promoted Holtz through its social media channels, saying, “We gotta root for this guy.”