If you’re heading to Augusta National for the first time this week, you’ve probably got a million questions — and luckily, one pro has been answering them in real time. Social media favorite and recent Masters qualifier Michael Kim has been documenting his experience at Augusta day by day, giving fans a rare peek behind the scenes. And on his latest update? Let’s just say things got really interesting.
In what he described as a surprise pairing, Kim found himself in a nine-hole team match alongside none other than Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson — two absolute legends of the game. Kim was paired with Mickelson, while DJ teamed up with rising star Noah Kent. The match was friendly but competitive, and it came right down to the final hole.
Lefty being Lefty, pulled off a clutch shot from the pine straws to set up a tap-in on a tough pin position. But then came a twist — Kent drained a 25-footer to tie it all up. “Yes, we played for something,” Kim teased, “but we tied and I’m not sharing that detail, sry.”
While the match was memorable, it was the advice from Mickelson that really stuck with Kim. “The thing about Augusta is because the slopes are so big and so many funnels, so many shots end up in the same spots,” Kim wrote. “That’s why you hear the saying you don’t read putts, you remember putts at Augusta.”
According to Kim, Mickelson had detailed notes in his yardage book for nearly every green, calling out subtle reads and nuanced breaks. “This one is slow, this one breaks left here but then breaks back this way,” Kim recalled, adding that he diligently wrote down everything he could. Johnson also chimed in with his own tips, bringing a cool-headed presence and that famously effortless swing. “DJ also was really cool at giving info as well. DJ hits that patented cut all the time and it’s exactly how you think it is,” Kim added, clearly impressed. And then there was Noah Kent, who casually kept outdriving even Johnson.“Noah Kent hits ,” Kim wrote.
Despite an understandable bout of nerves teeing off with such elite company, Kim admitted to feeling more comfortable as the round went on. The wind was steady, which added some challenge, but it was a great way to simulate tournament conditions and get locked in.
Later that day, Kim also teed it up in the Masters’ iconic Par 3 Contest — with his dad as his caddie. It was a full-circle moment, especially since he missed out on playing it back in 2019. Sharing the round with friends Ben An and Brian Campbell made it even more meaningful. Although, make no mistake, he’s not just soaking in the vibes — Kim’s here to compete. “It’s easy to get into the mode of ‘just glad I’m here,’ but I want to compete and play well,” he wrote. “As long as I keep doing my thing, I feel good about my chances.”
Augusta Diaries (Wed)
-Played 9 holes with Phil, DJ, Noah Kent. We had a 9 hole team match, Phil and I vs. DJ and NK. We were tied heading into 9. Phil from the pine straws hit it to tap in with the pin in the middle right tier. Noah Kent also hit a nice shot to about 25 ft.…
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) April 9, 2025
It’s been four days now of Kim sharing his Augusta adventures, and fans are loving it. Between insider tips, personal moments, and unexpected pairings, his diary perfectly captures the magic and madness of Masters week.
Michael Kim’s wholesome glimpse into Augusta Life
While the spotlight at Augusta is shining on the usual heavyweights, Michael Kim is quietly winning over fans with his daily “Augusta Diaries” on X — and honestly, they’re a treat. It all started with a casual post: “Haha I guess many like this. Will do this each day moving forward. Prob will be later at night.” Since then, Kim has been chronicling his Masters week in the most charming way possible — from rating sandwiches to struggling with windy approach shots.
On Sunday, he was all about soaking it in: “Drove thru Magnolia Lane… drove super slow to try and take it all in haha.” He tried the famous clubhouse sandwiches (BBQ pork leads so far at 8.5/10) and got in some front-nine practice with Johnny Vegas. His verdict? “Greens were FIRM. Like Sunday firm… Augusta is super hilly, my goodness.”
Monday brought a bit of rain and swing tweaks with his coach Sean. Kim noted, “Felt like my clubface was slightly too closed… I generally play better with a neutral to slightly open face.” He also discovered Augusta’s bunkers have a different texture: “It feels heavy/sticky.”
Tuesday was all about battling the wind — and some self-deprecating humor. On 16, he tried skipping the ball across the pond: “Two tries, neither made it across.”
It’s rare to get such a down-to-earth perspective from inside the ropes. If you’re not following along yet, you’re seriously missing out — and luckily, he “might just do this each day.”
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