Skip to main content
Writing Illini
Fansided

Former Illinois golf star finishes Masters run with hope for the future

Augusta National has been a thorn in many golfers sides, but this former Illinois golf star figured out a way to make the most of it.
ByKellen Sherman|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Apr 11, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brian Campbell reacts to his putt on the first green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Apr 11, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brian Campbell reacts to his putt on the first green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

This past weekend, the 90th edition of the Masters from Augusta, Georgia, lived up to its moniker: a tradition unlike any other.

During the four rousing days of golf, we saw a multitude of different lead changes, ranging from Rory McIlroy squandering a six-shot lead to Cameron Young and Scottie Scheffler's surges up the leaderboard. Even a former Illini golfer has his name in the mix.

It was an entertaining tournament from start to finish, with the beauty of Augusta taking center stage for the world to see. Former Illinois standout Brian Campbell made the most of his time in the tournament with a career finish.

Campbell, a 2015 graduate of the University of Illinois, recorded plenty of accolades during his time with the Orange and Blue. The Newport Beach, California, product achieved most of his success as an upperclassman, winning Big Ten Player of the Year in his junior season, followed by being named a PING All-Regional team member in his senior season.

Campbell would end up turning pro in 2015 after his final year in Champaign, and he has put together a 10-year career highlighted by wins at the John Deere Classic and the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld.

Brian Campbell improves mightily in his second career start at the Masters

Last season, the Illinois alum made his debut at the most storied golf tournament in the world. Campbell came to Augusta ready to roll and ended up making his fourth cut of the season while finishing one-over par in the tournament.

It was a special moment for Campbell in 2025, as he was able to play the entire weekend in his debut round at the Masters. But this season, he was able to take it up a notch by finishing three shots better than in the previous year.

Campbell may not have surpassed his lowest round of 68 from a year ago, but he was still able to hold on and give us a strong showing after missing the cut in his last four tournaments. The hope is that this performance will be the driving force that Campbell needs to close out the year.

It was a fight to the finish, but Campbell made Illinois proud this weekend. Here's to much success for the future, and an eventual trip back to Georgia next year.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Illinois Fighting Illini