Vanderbilt golf's Gordon Sargent, NCAA champion, to compete in The Masters

Vanderbilt golfer Gordon Sargent, the reigning NCAA champion, is set to compete in The Masters.

Augusta National Golf Club announced Thursday that Sargent accepted a special invitation to compete despite not meeting the normal qualification standards. He is the first amateur to accept a special invitation to compete since 2000, according to a Masters release.

In May, Sargent became the first freshman in 15 years to win the individual title at the NCAA championship. He also helped lead the team to a final four finish.

“There is simply not a greater honor in golf than to be invited to play in the Masters Tournament,” Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh said in a statement. “I also believe this a huge day for college and amateur golf as Augusta National Golf Club has extended a special exemption to Gordon to play in this years Masters as the reigning NCAA champion. We are thrilled for Gordon.”

The Masters will be held from April 6-9 in Augusta, Georgia. Sargent, along with Japanese professional Kazuki Higa, accepted special invitations.

"The Masters Tournament prioritizes opportunities to elevate both amateur and professional golf around the world," Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. "Thus, we have extended invitations to two deserving players not otherwise qualified. Whether on the international stage or at the elite amateur level, each player has showcased their talent in the past year. We look forward to hosting them at Augusta National in April."

John Augenstein was the last Vanderbilt golfer to compete at The Masters, in 2020.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt golfer Gordon Sargent to compete in The Masters