GOLF: The 'Fridge' is at the Masters, and brought an appetite for knowledge

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Jackson Herrington enjoyed a petite filet provided by Augusta National at the Amateur Dinner on Monday night, then went home and had “two more little small steaks” before calling it a night.

That kind of appetite earned the 6-foot Herrington the nickname “The Fridge,” given to him by his teammates at the University of Tennessee.

The sophomore qualified for this week’s Masters with his runner-up finish at the 2025 U.S. Amateur at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. At 19 years old, Herrington is determined to soak up every moment of his first experience as a player at Augusta National.

Part of that included mustering the courage to ask Bryson DeChambeau to play a practice round together. DeChambeau agreed, and the two played on Tuesday.

“I was a little bit nervous on the first tee today,” Herrington said after the practice round. “After that, I just kept telling myself I belong and that they’re no better than I am.”

DeChambeau praised Herrington, saying he has “an unbelievable game, same ball speed as me.” The pair are set to play the back nine together on Wednesday.

Herrington has made the most of every opportunity. The Dickson, Tenn., native started his Masters week by watching the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on Saturday and then played a practice round with England’s Tommy Fleetwood on Monday.

“It was awesome to get out there in that atmosphere with Bryson and pick his brain on the course,” Herrington said. “I talked to Rory [McIlroy] a little bit on Saturday. He’s definitely exceeded my expectations in how nice he was. Same with Bryson and Tommy. Everyone has been super nice to me. If I hadn’t gone up to them, I would definitely be kicking myself. It’s been really awesome.”

—Derek Harper, Field Level Media/Reuters