Coach’s Spirit Shines as Players Compete at Masters 2025

AUGUSTA, Ga. – As Taylor Pendrith prepared to take his first shot at the Masters on Thursday morning, he gazed at the blue sky and felt a crisp breeze. The moment, however, was bittersweet, as he longed for his coach, Herb Page, who was absent due to health complications.

Herb Page, the former Kent State golf coach, has attended the Masters debuts of all his former players, including Ben Curtis, Corey Conners, and Mackenzie Hughes. Unfortunately, on Thursday at 9 a.m., he was at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, receiving chemotherapy, 675 miles away from Augusta National.

“I’m making the turn,” Page quipped while watching the tournament from his laptop, wearing a green Masters polo and hat as he received treatment. Despite battling pancreatic cancer and losing 40 pounds since his diagnosis last fall, Page has managed to maintain his sense of humor. Earlier this week, he texted Pendrith and Conners about their starting times.

“Coach, at 9, I’m going to look up in the sky and think about you,” Pendrith replied to Page’s text.

Unfortunately for Pendrith, his Masters debut was marred by a disappointing 5-over 77, while Conners shone with a solid opening 68, highlighted by three birdies in the last four holes. Page watched with pride as Conners climbed the leaderboard.

“Look out!” Page texted as Conners charged ahead, tied for second place behind leader Justin Rose and 2023 champion Scottie Scheffler.

“He’s always watching us and cheering us on,” Conners noted about Page’s unwavering support.

Page enjoyed a memorable moment at the Presidents Cup last September, where he watched Pendrith, Conners, and Hughes compete. He even secured an all-access badge, despite his ailing health. A week later, after experiencing what was thought to be a urinary tract infection, doctors found he had pancreatic cancer.

“It’s a death sentence,” Page admitted. “But for most people, it’s discovered in the later stages.”

Fortunately, Page was diagnosed early enough to undergo the Whipple procedure, allowing for the best chance of recovery. “They think they’ve got it all,” he said following his surgery in late December, with a promising prognosis ahead.

Page’s lengthy coaching career began in 1978, when he established the golf program at Kent State from scratch. With hard work and determination, he molded the team into a powerhouse that recorded 17 NCAA Championship appearances. Now, all three of his star players—Pendrith, Hughes, and Conners—are successful on the PGA Tour.

“They should’ve fired me,” Page joked about not winning a national title with these top golfers.

As Pendrith and Hughes grilled steaks earlier this year, they had hoped to share a special moment with Page. Pendrith even offered him and his wife Masters badges, a gesture he ultimately declined due to his health.

While Conners aimed to visit Page during the offseason, their plans were delayed by Page’s hospitalization. Yet, the hope remains strong that Page will attend the Masters again soon.

“He’ll be there in 2026 and so will I,” Pendrith encouraged.

Conners expressed that unique performances could lead to great finishes, underscoring the challenge of converting potential into results. “It just takes something special to get yourself to the top of the leaderboard,” he said.

Conners’ round was noteworthy as he rarely went off course, finishing with a strong 4-under 68. His new putter, encouraged by his father Mike, has brought him newfound success. “It’s been a good change,” he remarked following his exciting finish.

Page was delighted to see Conners succeed, sending enthusiastic texts about his performance despite his own health struggles. “No one is more of a fighter than Coach Page,” Conners said. “I know he’s doing everything he can.”

“I’m missing today,” Page noted as he navigated his treatment. “To have my players reach out is very rewarding. They know what I’m going through.”

In a twist of fate, Pendrith fought hard to make a mark at this prestigious tournament while competing with Conners still fresh in his pursuit of a green jacket.