News Summary

San Diego’s own Justin Hastings, a senior at San Diego State University, is making waves in the golf world as he prepares to participate in the prestigious Masters Tournament. After clinching victory in the Latin America Amateur Championship, Hastings is now living his dream at Augusta National Golf Club. With an impressive college career at SDSU, where he eclipsed the previous scoring record, Hastings inspires future golfers while experiencing the thrill of competing alongside legends.

San Diego’s Own Justin Hastings Hits the Masters Golf Scene

Ah, San Diego! It’s a city that sparkles with sunshine, waves, and a whole lot of enthusiasm—especially when it comes to sports. This year, one of our very own San Diego State University seniors, Justin Hastings, is turning heads in the golf world as he gets ready to play in the prestigious Masters Tournament. Can you believe it? This is the same guy who used to skip school just to catch all the action of the Masters on TV. Now, he’s here to live his dream!

A Dream Turned Reality

Justin’s big break came earlier this year when he clinched victory in the Latin America Amateur Championship. This win was a game-changer for him, opening doors to some of the biggest golf events, including the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship in Great Britain. So, there he is, sitting at the beautiful and iconic Augusta National Golf Club for his very first Masters experience.

A Room with a View

Staying in the Crow’s Nest dormitory at Augusta National, Justin is mingling with other amateur golfers—one of the perks of being part of this elite tournament. Imagine the excitement of sharing stories and strategies with fellow golfers who are just as passionate about the sport as he is!

Idolizing the Greats

Justin draws inspiration from golf legends, particularly Phil Mickelson. He fondly recalls the stunning shot Mickelson made during the 2010 Masters, a moment that has clearly influenced his own golf journey. Just last month, Justin made a trip to Augusta for some practice rounds, attempting to mimic that iconic moment on the 13th hole. Talk about bringing your childhood heroes to life!

The Cayman Islands to California

Growing up in the Cayman Islands at the North Sound Golf Club, Justin refined his craft with limited resources but with a whole lot of determination. By the age of 14, he was already competing in the Latin America Amateur Championship, setting the stage for his impressive achievements. It’s clear he’s following in the footsteps of another trailblazer, Aaron Jarvis, the first player from the Cayman Islands to win the LAAC and qualify for the Masters!

Golfing Greatness at SDSU

Back at San Diego State, Ryan Donovan, the SDSU golf coach, recognized Justin’s potential and brought him on board. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just a player but also a principal leader for the Aztecs golf team. Shortly after making waves at the Puerto Rico Open, he secured the individual title at the Lamkin Classic—demonstrating his passionate commitment and skill on the course!

Breaking Records and Making History

Justin’s college career has been nothing short of stellar, holding an impressive career scoring average of 71.28. This amazing score has eclipsed the previous SDSU record of 71.50 set by none other than Xander Schauffele! Not only is he raising the bar for himself, but he’s also inspiring those who come after him.

The Magic of the Masters

This year, seven amateurs have made the cut to participate in the 2025 Masters, and Justin is soaking it all in. Instead of rushing into professional status, he’s choosing to savor every moment of this extraordinary opportunity. He’s been rubbing shoulders with golf greats like Justin Rose, Patrick Reed, and Rory McIlroy, and it’s easy to see just how awe-inspiring that experience can be.

Onward and Upward

To make things even more exciting, Justin got his hands on Mickelson’s yardage book, a fantastic resource filled with insights and strategies for navigating the challenging Augusta National course. What an incredible way to gear up for the competition!

Despite the whirlwind of excitement at the Masters, Justin is keeping his eye on the future. He has the Western Intercollegiate lined up right after the Masters, showcasing his commitment to continuing his golf journey, regardless of how he performs at this iconic event.

As Justin Hastings embarks on this momentous chapter in his life, we can’t help but feel proud of our local star. This is just the beginning for him, and we can’t wait to see how far he’ll go!

Justin Hastings Represents San Diego at the Masters Golf Tournament