US Amateur champion plots hilarious Rory McIlroy prank ahead of The Masters

Mason Howell, the 2025 US Amateur champion, isn’t just heading to Augusta National in April for the golf of his life — he’s also got a cheeky surprise up his sleeve for the defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Howell, 18, has booked himself a dream ticket to The Masters, US Open and The Open in 2026 following his brilliant victory at the US Amateur this summer. 

But while most young players would be busy worrying about Magnolia Lane nerves, Howell’s more focused on the punchline he’s planning to deliver on Augusta’s opening tee box. 

That’s right — the rising American star says he’s already cooked up a joke for his golfing idol, and if the pair do get grouped together, the 2026 Masters might open with laughter before it opens with applause.

"I Might Have To Play A Little Joke On Him"

Speaking on The Smylie Show this week, Howell shared a brilliant story from when he was just nine years old — long before he became one of the brightest young talents in the amateur game.

Howell told host Smylie Kaufman: 

“In 2016, I was at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Rory was playing, and on Sunday at the 4th hole, he flipped me one of his Nike golf balls. It’s got ‘Rors’ stamped on the side. I still have it in my room. I might have to play a little joke on him with that.”

What that "little joke" will be, Howell’s keeping close to his chest — but don’t be surprised if McIlroy’s ball somehow finds its way back to him on the tee box next April.

With McIlroy set to defend his famous green jacket from 9–12 April 2026 after having completed the career grand slam this season, tradition dictates that the Masters champion often plays the opening rounds with the reigning US Amateur winner. 

That means Howell’s chances of sharing the stage with his hero are pretty strong.

Watch Howell's interview in full here: 

Ready For Augusta

If there’s any teenager prepared for golf’s most nerve-wracking walk, it’s Howell. 

He already made his major debut at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont, after firing back-to-back 63s in qualifying to earn his spot.

And while Oakmont humbled nearly everyone that week — only eventual champion JJ Spaun finished under par — Howell handled himself like a pro. 

His rounds of 77 and 76 missed the cut, but put him in good company alongside the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Bryson DeChambeau, who also packed their bags early.

"I kind of know what to expect now," Howell said.

"I’m super pumped for The Masters. I’ll try to play Augusta as much as I can before then — it’s just such an unbelievable opportunity."

Having taken on Oakmont, Howell knows what championship pressure feels like — and he’s already shown the kind of composure and confidence that could see him make a run at low amateur honours next spring.

Following In Big Footsteps

From Sam Bennett’s fearless run at Augusta in 2023 to Neal Shipley’s breakout moment playing alongside Tiger Woods in 2024, recent years have proved that amateurs can more than hold their own on golf’s biggest stage.

Shipley, of course, has since turned professional and earned his PGA Tour card for 2026. Howell will be hoping to follow a similar path — but first, he’ll get to live out every young golfer’s dream by walking the hallowed fairways of Augusta National in front of millions.

And if the golf doesn’t steal the headlines, that mystery "first tee prank" on McIlroy just might.