Jason Kelce Discusses Daughter's Introduction to Golf During 2026 Masters Coverage

The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament started on Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. m. ET, followed by the first competitive groups teeing off shortly after. , with broadcasts on ESPN and streaming platforms extending into the evening.

The field consists of 91 players. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who completed his career Grand Slam in 2025, headlines the group alongside players such as Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy teed off on Thursday morning with Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell.

Kelce's Role in Coverage Jason Kelce joined ESPN's coverage team for the Par 3 Contest during Masters week.

The Par 3 Contest is a tradition held on Wednesday before the main tournament, involving professionals and their families on a nine-hole course. Kelce, a former NFL player with an increasing presence in golf media, participated in this event. During his comments on Thursday, Kelce described introducing his daughter Wyatt to golf.

He noted that the family had taken her to the course a couple of times previously, where she mainly enjoyed being outdoors and punting a ball. This marked her first time using a legitimate golf club at a driving range.

“We've taken her [Wyatt] on the course a couple of times. Really, she just likes to be out there. We'll put a ball down, and she can punt. This is her first time actually getting a legitimate club in her hand," Kelce said. "We went to the driving range, and I could not tell you how much joy it brings you seeing really any kid hit a ball that's doing it for the first time, but especially your own daughter. It was just so awesome.”

The Par 3 Contest often features family members, including children, participating alongside professionals. Kelce referenced the 2017 instance when Tommy Fleetwood's son Frankie gained attention during the contest. Such moments highlight family involvement in golf events.

As Round 1 progresses, attention shifts to the competitive play on the main course. The tournament features challenging conditions, including fast greens, which influence scoring. Players like McIlroy face pressure to perform, while others aim to contend for the green jacket awarded to the winner on Sunday.

The Masters determines exemptions and rankings for future major tournaments. Augusta National maintains traditions such as honorary starters and the Par 3 Contest, which draw global viewership. The event affects professional golfers' careers and the sport's visibility.