Unusual rule that means a member of the public could end up playing this weekend at The Masters

Golfers across the world could be watching one particular player with envy at The Masters, this week.

The Masters tees off in Augusta, Georgia for the 90th time today (April 9) and could see an unusual rule implemented. It is a rule that makes one lucky member of Augusta National Golf Club the envy of golfers the world over.

Last year, some of you may remember that Tom Kim played the third round at Augusta with a complete unknown by the name of Michael McDermott.

It was only McDermott’s second appearance at The Masters, having made his debut in 2023, when he partnered 2003 champion Mike Weir. But the Pennsylvania native is not a pro by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, he is the CEO of a financial services firm.

So why has McDermott found himself partnering some of the world’s best golfers at one of the four PGA majors?

It is because he is The Masters Marker.

What is The Masters Marker?

It may sound like a quite obscure, relatively middle class superhero, but The Masters Marker is one of the most exciting roles in all of sports.

The Augusta based major sometimes sees an odd number of players cut between rounds, meaning one player will be left without a partner for the following day.

Instead of being allowed to continue solo, however, the player is designated a partner from the club. This partner is known as The Masters Marker. For the past four years, it has been McDermott.

McDermott does not record a score during any of his rounds. Neither does his name appear on the back of his caddie’s coveralls like the tournament invitees. And the financial services CEO is not allowed to speak to the media after his round.

But he does get to shoot 18 holes with one of the world’s finest golfers at one of the most iconic courses on earth.

How has McDermott done at previous Masters?

Last year, the Philadelphia based amateur massively impressed Tom Kim, the current 11th ranked player on the PGA Tour.

Speaking to Today’s Golfer after the pair shared the course during the third round, last year, the South Korean star said, “He played great actually. Hits the ball really far. His irons, sometimes he grabbed one club longer than me. He was a complete baller.

“I was so shocked when I got to the first tee. There were so many people, it almost felt like I was in the final group on Sunday. So many people. I felt more nervous today than I did yesterday. Even on Thursday.

“It was really cool. I’ve never really played with a marker before. It’s the first time to experience it. He was so great. You know, for him to come out and play with a guy who is going to play solo, made it a lot more fun.”

McDermott’s impressive showing last year should come as no surprise. He has 10 major victories in the Golf Association of Philadelphia and won the association’s amateur title in 2008, 2013 and 2016.

He is also a two-time winner of the Crump Cup, an elite amateur tournament at Pine Valley – where he is also a member – and made it to the last eight of the 2016 US Mid-Amateur.

Jeff Knox is the ultimate Marker

When it comes to Masters Markers, however, one man truly stands out among all others. Jeff Knox.

Knox was the designated marker from 2002, before passing his club to McDermott in 2022.

And Knox recorded one of the all-time great rounds, in 2014. During the Saturday of that year’s edition, Knox recorded a 70 to best his playing partner’s round of 71. A playing partner by the name of Rory McIlroy.

Knox has also claimed scalps over Sergio Garcia and (an admittedly 63-year-old) Larry Mize.

McDermott will be waiting with baited breath to see how many make the cut this weekend in Augusta. Could another Marker scalp be on the cards?