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Masters Surprise: Reitan Leads First-Timers
11 Apr
Summary
- Kristoffer Reitan leads Masters first-time competitors at -4.
- Reitan is the first player in over four decades to contend.
- He is the second Norwegian to ever compete at Augusta National.
Kristoffer Reitan, a 28-year-old professional golfer from Norway, has emerged as a significant surprise at the 2026 Masters. As of April 11, 2026, Reitan is competing in his first Masters and only his third major championship. He finished the second round with a score of -4, placing him in a tie for seventh and leading all debutantes.
This impressive performance puts Reitan in contention to achieve a rare feat: winning the Masters in his inaugural appearance. This hasn't happened in over four decades. Reitan, hailing from Oslo, is only the second player from Norway to ever compete at Augusta National, following Viktor Hovland.
Reitan earned his invitation through his success on the DP World Tour in 2025, where he secured two victories. He turned professional at age 20 and is currently ranked No. 46 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His decision to turn pro meant forgoing a potential college golf career at the University of Texas, where he would have been teammates with Scottie Scheffler.
