Get To Know Tom Hoge Before Augusta

We sat down and caught up with Tom Hoge before the first golf major of 2025 in Augusta, Georgia asking about this specific week and what it means to him.

What Does This Week Mean To You?

I mean, it's the biggest week of the year for me. You know, as a kid growing up you always see the the best golf tournament in the world. And growing up in North Dakota, that was kind of always right around the time when golf courses would open. The golf bug would hit full force coming out of the winter, so you know it's certainly the highlight of the year. And I think it took me till my eighth year on your way to make it here, so I certainly have that appreciation for how hard it is to get to this point.

Talk About The Course - What's it Like?

My first thought? The first time I played it, I was completely worn out coming up the hill on 18. It’s just a tough walk, so many hills and such a big golf course that it’s physically a tough task for the week. I just feel like every phase of your game has to be pretty sharp. It’s going to test you in all facets, but especially around the greens. Putting has got to be sharp especially during that week.

My focus now is just getting my game feeling sharp and ready to go. I had a nice outing at the Players Championship a few weeks ago finishing third, so building that confidence and keeping it going will be key going into Augusta. 

What Are Your Favorite Memories Playing This Week?

My favorite memory that stands out? I won for the first time in February of 2022 and had a trip to Augusta coming up a couple of months later and got to take my dad and brother. It was the first time I played with a member that was kind enough to host us, so just to be able to share that with them and just going down to Augusta for the first time to see everything it had to offer. It was our first trip there so it was really cool. And just playing there for the first time and giving my family tickets and seeing how excited they were, it was pretty cool for sure. 

What Are Some Memories Before You Were On Tour?

I remember a lot of Tiger’s big moments. So you know the chip he had on 16? It was kind of those moments as I was growing up when Tiger was in his prime. Right there. I think it's cool to go back now and just see some of the different memorable times at Augusta. Back in ‘86, some of those years that stand out and just the history that they have there with so many iconic shots that have been hit.

What Will This Week Be Like For You?

It certainly has changed a lot. This week at Augusta, I think I’ve learned this being a third time playing now to kind of maybe get house for the family and I would kind of get away from everything a little bit and just relax. But this will be the first time at Augusta with our son, so it will be cool to have those photos and that we will always look back at him as a little guy in his jumpsuit.