Ryan Gerard’s journey to the Masters 2026 has been nothing short of remarkable, despite a heartbreaking playoff loss at the Mauritius Open. The 26-year-old golfer’s stellar performance at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open earned him a coveted spot at the Augusta National.
Heading into the tournament, Ryan Gerard was ranked 27th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Throughout the four days of intense competition, he showcased his skills by shooting impressive scores of 68, 69, 63, and 66, ultimately finishing as the leader in regulation. However, Jayden Schaper’s exceptional play in the final round forced a playoff, where Gerard unfortunately fell short on the second extra hole.
Despite the playoff loss, Ryan Gerard’s second-place finish at the Mauritius Open propelled him to 47th in the latest OWGR rankings. This significant jump in rankings secured his invitation to the Masters 2026, as the top 50 players at the end of 2025 earn a spot at Augusta National Golf Club in April.
On the other hand, Jayden Schaper, who narrowly missed out on a Masters 2026 invitation despite winning back-to-back tournaments, moved up to 64th in the OWGR. Gerard’s successful season on the PGA Tour, which included just five missed cuts in 29 starts and four top-ten finishes, culminated in a maiden victory at the Barracuda Championship 2025 and a qualification for the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Although Gerard was eliminated at the BMW Championship and finished 39th in the standings, he ended the season with impressive earnings of $3,872,916. His journey to the Masters 2026 is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
As the countdown to the Masters 2026 begins, here is a list of players who have already qualified for the prestigious tournament:
– Ludvig Aberg
– Akshay Bhatia
– Keegan Bradley
– Michael Brennan
– Jacob Bridgeman
– Sam Burns
– Angel Cabrera
– Brian Campbell
– Patrick Cantlay
– and many more.
With the anticipation building for the Masters 2026, Ryan Gerard’s inclusion in the field adds excitement and promise to the upcoming tournament. Golf fans around the world will be eagerly watching as Gerard makes his debut at Augusta National, showcasing his skills against the best in the sport.
In conclusion, Ryan Gerard’s journey to the Masters 2026 is a testament to his talent and resilience in the face of adversity. His performance at the Mauritius Open may have ended in disappointment, but it ultimately paved the way for a new chapter in his career as he prepares to tee off at Augusta National in April.

