During the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open on March 30, Kevin Yu takes a swing at the tee shot on the first hole. [REUTERS/YONHAP]
Kevin Yu remembers waking up at about midnight for four consecutive nights each April over the course of several years just so he could catch the Masters Tournament broadcast live. Sometimes, during these late-night viewings, his dad—who taught golf—would sit beside him on their living room sofa as players made their way through the final holes of the back nine. They often found themselves daydreaming about strolling across the revered grounds of Augusta National together.
This week, at the age of 26, Yu will fulfill his lifelong ambition as he takes part in his first Masters tournament beginning on Thursday.
A previous global amateur champion, Yu secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship in October, which granted him entry into the esteemed Masters Tournament. He now joins an exclusive list of players from Chinese Taipei such as Lu Liang-huan, the Chen siblings—T.C. and T.M.—Lin Wen-tang, and C.T. Pan, who have also competed in this renowned event.
"It’s still hard to believe, truthfully, because ever since I began playing golf, my dream has always been to compete in the Masters. I have seen countless performances from Tiger Woods at the Masters; his incredible shots stand out vividly. Believe me, I've stayed up watching the Masters even when I was very young, and now realizing that I’ll be partaking in this prestigious event makes it feel like an actualized childhood fantasy. I am incredibly thrilled," stated Yu.
During the second round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament held at TPC Scottsdale on February 7 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kevin Yu played an approach shot on the first hole. [AP/YONHAP]
Yu began playing the sport at a young age due to his father's influence and claimed victory in numerous junior golf competitions starting from when he was eight years old. Whenever they played at the nearby course close to their home in Taoyuan, he aimed to outdo his dad, Tommy.
"My first recollection of playing golf is when my father brought me to a golf course; he would play while I spent time in the sand trap and attempted putts. Eventually, I became determined to outperform him on the green, which ignited my passion for the sport," explained Yu.
In the Yu family, watching the Masters during late nights became an established custom. This ritual served as a strong motivator for pursuing his ambition in golf. Encouraged by C.T. Pan, he ventured abroad to compete in AJGA events. Following his victory at the Junior Players Championship in 2015, he joined Arizona State University where he excelled as one of the leading college players and eventually reached the number one spot in the World Amateur rankings.
During the last round of the Valspar Championship 2025 at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 23 in Palm Harbor, Florida, Kevin Yu takes a shot from a sand trap on the 15th hole. [GETTY IMAGES]
Yu deeply appreciates his parents' efforts in financing his early days in golf, making them frequent attendees at major PGA Tour events. Joined by his younger sister and girlfriend, the whole family gathers at Augusta National, likely engaged in an animated discussion about who might carry Yu’s bag during the pre-Masters Par-3 tournament. Yu understands well the superstition surrounding this event; no winner of the Par-3 has ever gone on to claim the coveted Green Jacket at the Masters.
About two weeks back, he participated in a practice round at Augusta National to experience the ambiance there. Recalling his visit, he mentioned stepping into the clubhouse: "Driving down Magnolia Lane towards the sight of the clubhouse was quite impressive. Everything about it felt incredible; it's difficult to put into words, but this has been the one location where I've always aspired to be."
I participated in a college tournament close to Augusta before, and we sort of got an exterior view of the course. However, being there firsthand took everything to a different level. The greens are certainly challenging for putting, so I attempted to gain insights from local caddies. Using your imagination becomes crucial to making those putts work, requiring great discipline.
This upcoming event won’t mark Yu’s initial significant appearance since he participated in three consecutive U.S. Opens from 2018 through 2020 during his time as an amateur. These prior experiences, along with guidance received from other players afterward, have served as motivation for a promising start at the Masters.
During the second round of the Mexico Open in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on February 21, Kevin Yu tees off for the second hole while being watched. [AP/YONHAP]
"I mean, you clearly experience all the thrill, and you aspire to play great golf; you wish to keep practicing endlessly. However, people advise against getting too intense or overscheduling your practice sessions," Yu explained. He noted that he feels his performance has been quite solid lately. "I must remain razor-sharp mentally and remember that I typically perform better when I'm relaxed rather than reckless." This mindset aligns with his recent record of achieving four top-20 finishes this season, including in his past two tournaments.
I believe I can measure up against them; we often go head-to-head, and I aim to outperform the very same competitors. Joining the big leagues early really gave me an edge. Initially, I trained excessively and felt overwhelmed watching the best players. By matchday, I’d end up drained—a pitfall I intend to avoid moving forward. It’s crucial to stay grounded and recognize that daily improvement is essential, particularly following tough stretches where I'd think, 'Wow, I am nowhere near as skilled.' This realization pushes me to work harder each day.
His close buddy, C.T. Pan—a previous champion on Tour—had an unforgettable Masters initiation in 2020 by tying for seventh place, and Yu aims to replicate, if not surpass, this achievement.
"I'm proud to be a Taiwanese player competing in the Masters. In the past, we've rarely had many players participating. Hopefully, I can deliver some good news to everyone back home. That year, I watched C.T., and it was incredible," he stated.
When asked about his objective for the enchanting week, Yu responded with a laugh, "Aim not to win the Par-3 contest? Nah, I'm just teasing. The main thing is to savor every moment, particularly since my family will be here with me, which makes it incredibly special. My plan is to do my absolute best and cross fingers for an excellent outcome."
BY CHUAH CHOO CHIANG [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]
