Tom Hoge Prepares for Masters Amid Family Adventures and Career Milestones

FARGO, N.D. — Tom Hoge is no longer a rookie on the PGA Tour. At 35, he has solidified his status following a victory at Pebble Beach and consistent performances in major tournaments, including two appearances at the Masters. As he prepares for his third chance at Augusta National, Hoge is also balancing life as a new father with a four-month-old son.

“Luckily, he’s been sleeping through the night most nights, and that’s made it a bit easier,” Hoge remarked about his son. Hoge and his wife, Kelly, have embraced life on the road, a routine they navigated during the recent three-week Florida swing on the PGA Tour.

His accolades continue to grow; Hoge was recently inducted into the Texas Christian Athletics Hall of Fame, adding to his recognition from Fargo South High School, where he was honored in 2022. ‘I guess I’m officially old getting into more hall of fames now,’ he said. ‘In a way, it’s a little weird being in the middle of my career when I feel like there’s still a lot to accomplish in the game.’

After missing the cut last year and finishing 39th in his first Masters, Hoge is determined to improve. He is keenly aware of the specific golf shots needed to tackle the iconic course’s fast and firm greens. “Hitting a higher shot into the greens is crucial,” he stated. “It’s something I’ve been trying to juggle for a little while now.”

This year, Hoge considered using a new “mini-driver” that may suit the draw bias of Augusta, especially on holes that favor drawing the ball around corners. “The course has a draw bias,” he noted, indicating a strategic shift could be on the horizon.

In the current season, Hoge has excelled, making the cut in nine of ten tournaments and securing three top-10 finishes, including a tie for third at the Players Championship and a tie for fifth at the Valero Texas Open. He expressed, “The beauty of golf is you always want to be a little better. Yes, it’s been a good start, but I look back and things could be a little sharper.”

Heading into the Masters, he ranks 18th in the FedExCup standings and 47th in the Official World Golf Rankings. Recently, he surpassed $24 million in career earnings and holds full status on Tour, already qualified for all four majors. “I was always trying to play my way into the majors last year, so it’s nice to know the schedule right off the bat,” Hoge observed. “But I think the Masters is always the highlight of the year.”

As he navigates the challenges of being a traveling family, Hoge has sought advice from fellow players on maintaining a balance between tour life and family obligations. “The PGA Tour has a traveling daycare at host cities, which is helpful,” he said. “You try to figure out accommodations that make this transition easier. Going forward, most weeks they’ll be with me.”