Two Leeds United investors will be getting their 2026 Masters weekend underway at Augusta National this afternoon.
Leeds United chiefs might have a keen eye on Augusta National Golf Course this weekend as two of their fellow investors aim for Masters glory.
The action gets underway this afternoon with Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy the defending champion heading into the major tournament’s 90th edition. A huge group of talented golfers will fancy their chances at claiming the famous green jacket and a prize pot likely worth over £3million.
Who are Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas?
The pair are among the most famous names in American golf as long-time PGA professionals. Spieth, 32, is a three-time major winner and was once ranked the world No.1. He is also the proud owner of a famous green jacket having won the Masters back in 2015, aged just 21.
Thomas is also 32 and has also been ranked as the world’s best golfer at one point during his career. While there is no Masters title for the Louisville-born sportsman - he came fourth in 2020 but never any higher - he’s twice won the PGA Championship.
As a three-time major winner with 13 PGA tour victories in total, Spieth has a reported net worth of $120m, which is equivalent to around £90m. Thomas, meanwhile, is reported to have a net worth of $45 (£33.5m) thanks to his two major wins and 16 PGA tour triumphs.
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas Masters chances
The pair are ranked relative outsiders to win at Augusta this year, with Spieth joint 15th-favourite according to the bookmakers while Thomas is down in joint-30th. It will only take a strong opening day or two for those odds to shorten significantly, however, with both boasting strong pedigree as former world No.1-ranked players.
Both Leeds investors are towards the back end of the running on the opening day today. Spieth tees off at 6.20pm UK time alongside fellow American Brooks Koepka and 2025 runner-up Justin Rose. Thomas is part of the next group, teeing off at 6.32pm alongside compatriot Ben Griffin and Austrian Sepp Straka.
What have Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas said about Leeds United?
Neither Spieth nor Thomas have been particularly loud about their investment in Leeds, opting instead to take a back seat. The former did answer questions following confirmation of their involvement back in 2023, however.
Spieth said: "We thought it would be a cool opportunity. It's a big city, historic club, great venue in Elland Road, and once we looked into it we realised it could be really exciting. I'm excited to have a team I'm emotionally invested in. I've watched the Premier League intently for a few years. Hopefully, we'll be back very soon."
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Leeds did eventually get promoted two years later, winning last season’s Championship title with 100 points. And following that triumph, Thomas was quizzed on his plans to get to Elland Road.
“I’d like to [get to a game],” he said at The Open back in July. “Some of the guys are giving me a hard time that of course now they’re in the Premier League now I’m going to make my way over.
“It’s unfortunate they’re not playing during this, it’d be great during the Scottish or the Open to go before or after. Last year with having a baby made the fall a slightly tough ask on my end. We wanted to. Hopefully we can make it work at the end of this year.”
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