Former NFL star Jason Kelce is extremely likable in many sports settings, but many fans aren’t buying in to his Augusta golf involvement at the 2026 Masters.
ESPN hired Kelce to primarily weigh in on football during the season. However, his recent sports media endeavors expanded beyond the gridiron and have led him to Augusta National for this year’s first major tournament.
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Based on early reactions, Kelce isn’t a fan favorite at the hallowed Georgia golf course. The former Super Bowl champion for the Philadelphia Eagles appeared during Wednesday’s Par 3 contest.
Golf fans rip Masters for including Jason Kelce: 'Does not belong at Augusta' https://t.co/0rYq1jj6Bf pic.twitter.com/hYKaP5zAOw
— New York Post (@nypost) April 9, 2026
While the laid-back event featured other renowned celebrities like Kevin Hart, who caddied for Bryson DeChambeau, the vibes at the Augusta golf course are different than other venues.
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“Omfgggg lmfao maybe give him a beer too?!” former NBA player Sam Dekker wrote on X during Wednesday’s Par 3 contest.
Augusta’s Kelce experiment gone wrong
The private golf club is known for its strict rules, which includes fans being unable to have their phones during rounds. Meanwhile, television coverage for the tournament is completely run through Augusta, who handpicks sponsors to work with during the Masters.
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However, Augusta and Kelce are receiving significant backlash for the former NFL star’s appearance. Kelce provided ESPN with several interviews throughout the Par 3 contest and caddied for rising star Akshay Bhatia.
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“ESPN promoting the likes of Pat McAfee, Kelce, and Hart and their sophomoric humor the network is transforming Wednesday at The Masters into a day at the Waste Management Open,” X user @JasonKrump wrote this week.
The duo we didn't know we needed: Bryson DeChambeau and his caddie Kevin Hart 😂 pic.twitter.com/Rgtu9oYujE
— ESPN (@espn) April 8, 2026
A viral AI photo even emerged of Kelce, McAfee and comedian Bert Kreischer jumping into an Augusta pond. However, the overall sentiment is clear that golf traditionalists don’t like change at Augusta National.
Akshay Bhatia and Jason Kelce walk during the Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kelce’s regular ESPN programming returns in the coming weeks as the network prepares to host the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the former Eagles center is set to feature on Monday Night Countdown during the fall once again.