Jackson Herrington is taking Tennessee dreams to golf's next big stage

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: A detailed view of the golf bag used by Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the fifth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States and his caddie Derek Ernst play the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States plays a shot on the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States looks on while playing the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington walks on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington chips onto the second green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington putts on no. 2 during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington pulls a club on the second green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States plays a shot from the third hole tee box during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington warms up on the driving range during Monday's practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: A detailed view of the golf bag used by Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the fifth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States and his caddie Derek Ernst play the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States chips on to the sixth hole green during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States plays a shot on the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States looks on while playing the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington walks on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington chips onto the second green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington putts on no. 2 during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Jackson Herrington, Tennessee golfer, Masters amateur, our best photos

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington pulls a club on the second green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Herrington, known as "The Fridge," has since turned 20, the same age I was when transferring to UT to pursue a journalism career. I occasionally cover athletics as the higher education reporter, though sports rarely capture my attention.

The Masters, however, has been a beloved family tradition ever since my grandfather added his name to the patron list in the 1960s.

My job allowed me the time to return, not with a press pass but for vacation. It's how I preferred to revisit the serene course, sharing an exclusive experience with my girlfriend for her first time.

I packed only the essential for a short trip − most importantly, my UT polo. I left my journalism hat at home but planned to keep a close eye on Herrington, not as a reporter but as a supporter for a fellow Volunteer chasing an amateur's dream.

Travel plans, preparation for the 2026 Masters Tournament

The Dickson County native beat us to Augusta National days in advance to prepare for his debut on golf's grandest stage.

He stayed Sunday night in the Crow's Nest, an exclusive lodging space for amateurs playing in the Masters. The Nest is considered one of the oldest areas of the historic clubhouse, and it has housed a range of Masters winners before they turned pro − names like Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

Herrington could feel the history coming off the walls and took time on a quiet Monday morning to walk around Augusta National in his shorts and Lululemon hoodie. It all felt surreal.

"I feel like that doesn't happen very much," he said.

Neither does chatting with Rory McIlroy in the locker room or catching up with Jordan Speith, with whom Herrington played at Pebble Beach Golf Links years prior. In Augusta, Herrington met Fred Couples, trading numbers with the former champion and a couple more pros along the way.

“It’s something they didn’t have to do,” Herrington said, “but they were kind enough to do.”

He "reset" with the people who make him feel at home before Thursday morning - tee time 8:14 a.m. - getting his mind right with family and coaches and even fishing in a nearby pond.

Outside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Tennessee golfer Kyra Van Kan waves at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The Southeastern Conference trophy for the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The practice course at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Lawn chairs outside at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Stairs inside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Pictures of the Tennessee men's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Trophies for the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Score cards for the Tennessee man's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The Tennessee women's golf team practices at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Pictures from the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame wall at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Covered golf clubs at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The entrance to the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The practice course at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Pictures of the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

Trophies and score cards for the Tennessee men's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Outside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Outside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Tennessee golfer Kyra Van Kan waves at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

The Southeastern Conference trophy for the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

The practice course at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Lawn chairs outside at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Stairs inside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Pictures of the Tennessee men's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Trophies for the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Score cards for the Tennessee man's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

The Tennessee women's golf team practices at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Pictures from the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame wall at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Covered golf clubs at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

The entrance to the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

The practice course at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Pictures of the Tennessee women's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

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See inside Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility

Trophies and score cards for the Tennessee men's golf team at the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

The last time UT-affiliated golfers competed in the Masters was in 2014, when former UT golfer Garrick Porteous and student-golfer Oliver Goss represented the Vols as amateurs.

Herrington, who attended in 2014 as a fan, hit the course in 2026 looking to make his own UT history as we were making final preparations in Knoxville before hitting the road.

We kept track of golfers' scores - Herrington, McIlroy and Speith - as we cruised down I-40 and state highways to our AirBnB in Aiken, South Carolina, arriving around 10 p.m. as Herrington was settled into his own routine.

The student-golfer goes over what went well and what needs improvement after each round, but he doesn't like spending hours mulling over his performance. He'd rather chill out, hang with friends or watch shows like "The Night Agent" or "Animal Kingdom" on Netflix.

He rewatches Brooks Koepka's final round at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and other times he'll study, though he usually completes his homework before hitting the road.

As our episode of "The Pitt" was wrapping up at the AirBnB - another cliffhanger, of course - Herrington had a +4 first-day score hanging over his head. But some additional Big Orange spirit would be in his corner on Day 2.

Everywhere you look UT in Knoxville, Augusta, space

Travelers have a few options to get from Knoxville to Augusta: a five-hour car ride down the interstate, or a connecting flight from McGhee Tyson Airport to Augusta Regional.

Outside the University of Tennessee's Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at Day Golf Practice Facility near Alcoa Highway on April 24, 2026.

As we embarked on a road trip, anyone heading to the airport down Alcoa Highway passed the Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse at the Mack & Jonnie Day Golf Practice Facility along the Tennessee River, which opened in 2010 as the hub for UT men’s and women’s golf.

It’s a facility intimately familiar to Herrington, and it's where the women’s team practiced enroute to winning the SEC Tournament in 2026 for the first time in program history.

The facility also acts as a center for UT's internationally recognized turfgrass research, which soon will be part of another international sports spectacle. A UT research team led by John Sorochan has partnered with FIFA to develop the perfect soccer pitches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing consistent playing fields for 16 host stadiums across North America while bringing the UT System motto of "Everywhere You Look" to a global stage.

The motto has become prominent in athletics of late, with former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs leading national conversations surrounding the Artemis II mission and Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello leaving in 2025 to become the first major‑league manager without MLB experience.

On a national platform of his own, Herrington represented UT with a prominent Power T on his collar throughout the Masters. The iconic logo also was inscribed on his golf bag, carried by his assistant coach and 2014 Masters contender Derek Ernst.

“Just being able to represent (UT) like that and at a stage like that was pretty awesome for me and something I was really happy to do,” Herrington said.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States and his caddie Derek Ernst play the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 07, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

I wasn't the only one repping orange on the course, and I'm not talking about the peach ice cream and pimento cheese sandwiches.

Tennessee fans came out of the woodwork. More than 14,000 UT alumni live in the Peach State, a notable fraction of the 290,000-plus UT alums around the world supporting the university – including chapters in places like London and Tokyo, where you can also find Yoshitoshi Momoki’s Vols-themed bar.

I counted 13 times I heard - and reciprocated - a hearty "Go Vols" in Augusta. Herrington couldn't keep count.

“It felt like every 10 steps,” he said. “So, just having that support out there, being able to say it back and having Derek out there as well – we were always saying ‘Go Vols’ back.”

Jackson Herrington looks to make University of Tennessee history this summer

Herrington experienced some special moments on the course, like on Hole 6, when an iffy drive forced a fateful chip shot.

My girlfriend, Emily Simmons, and I arrived at the 2026 Masters early at 6 a.m. for Day 2 on Friday, April 10. We took a selfie to commemorate the occasion before locking our phones away inside of the car to enter the course.

The ball kept rolling and rolling until it stopped at the edge of the green. Herrington "gave it a couple pumps in the air” to celebrate, he said, and the crowd "ate it up."

It was six holes later that Herrington felt his chances to make the cut slipping away. He gave his all for Tennessee the first two days but failed to qualify for the final two rounds.

“It kind of sucked, but even after I made that (triple bogey) on 12, I didn’t give up. I stayed in it, and I carried myself well,” he said. “I never gave up.”

Tying for the low amateur score of +8, Herrington finished as a top performer among the tournament's six amateurs.

Herrington earned a spot in the Masters by placing second in last year’s U.S. Amateur, and his runner-up status also earns him a spot at the U.S. Open happening June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.

“I learned a lot about myself and what I do in pressure situations, what my tendencies are,” Herrington said about the Masters experience. “I think I learned more about myself than I would have if I hadn’t played, so that was a win in and of itself.”

Since returning from Augusta, Herrington tied for 60th in the 2026 SEC Men’s Golf Championship, while the UT team missed the cut for the tournament.

Next stop: Shinnecock, the course Herrington has studied by watching Koepka, who in 2018 became the first back-to-back U.S. Open champion since Curtis Strange in 1988 and ’89.

Herrington, who will be the second UT golfer in two years to play the U.S. Open, will be looking for his first championship win. If he earns it, he would be just the sixth amateur to win the U.S. Open − and the first in more than 90 years.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Amateur Jackson Herrington of the United States looks on from the second green during the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

“I'm always trying to win,” he said. “So, going in there with the confidence and headspace to win is what I'll be doing.”

You can bet he’ll wear his orange, representing his university on a national scale once again. UT is "Everywhere You Look,” and Volunteers far and wide will be watching as Herrington looks to make UT history again this June.

Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Jackson Herrington is taking Tennessee dreams to golf's next big stage