The China Mail - Hojgaard brothers to become first twins in same Masters

The identical 24-year-olds from Denmark will become the 19th set of brothers to tee off in the same Masters, the first since Italy's Eduardo and Francesco Molinari from 2010-2012.

"We've had many moments on the putting green at our local golf club where we would tell each other this is the putt to win the Masters and then trying to compete with each other," Rasmus said. "It's nice to be here now."

Nicolai, the slightly older of the two, led after 10 holes in last year's third round at his Masters debut and finished level 16th, his best result in nine prior major appearances, while Rasmus is making his Masters debut and seventh major start.

"Very special to be back," Nicolai said. "I have some great memories here from last year. I wish I would have finished it off a little bit better, but I've learned a lot from that week.

"The last 27 holes was probably the most important learning experience I've had in golf, and to go forward, as well, in majors. But it was one of the best weeks I've ever had.

"For my preparation, I'm more aware of stuff, especially on the back nine. It's playing tricky. But if you hit the right shots, you're going to have chances. Par is a good score at times and I think you forget that when you're playing. When you're up there, you want to keep pushing."

The global Masters sibling legacy being carried on by 55th-ranked Rasmus and 82nd-ranked Nicolai also includes, among others, Japan's Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki and his brother Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki from 1990, 1993 and 2000 and Taiwan's Chen Tze-chung and Chen Tze-ming in 1986.

Rasmus qualified for the Masters by finishing in last year's world rankings top 50 while Nicolai got a special invitation from Augusta National.

Rasmus is a five-time winner on the DP World Tour, most recently capturing last September's Irish Open. Nicolai has lifted three DP World Tour trophies, most recently at the 2023 DP World Championship.

In 2021, they became the first brothers to win European Tour events in back-to-back weeks, Rasmus capturing the European Masters and Nicolai taking the Italian Open the following week.

- 'Pretty cool ride' -

As children, they tricked teachers by switching places in classes, but the sibling rivalry hasn't always been an easy one.

"Growing up it was very difficult because we were very competitive," Rasmus said. "I don't think we supported each other very much back then. We would fight a lot more than saying congratulations.

"Over the years we've matured quite a bit. I think we can both say that we probably wouldn't be here if we didn't have each other."

Nicolai agreed, saying, "We can shake each other's hand now and say congrats when someone is playing well and be brothers as well and friends at the same time. It has been pretty cool, the ride we've been on together."

D.Pan--ThChM