Max Homa is Golf’s Next Star
The season’s first major is in the books. And even though Scottie Scheffler slipped on the green jacket, there might have been a bigger winner this weekend. After being on the grounds at Augusta National Max Homa is golf’s next star. I could not believe how popular Max Homa was among the patrons. It became apparent quickly that if he continues to compete at the top of leader boards at major championships Max Homa is golf’s next star.
Why is Max Homa Popular
You might read that and think “why is Max Homa popular”? This is a guy who has not competed for major championship before. His best finish is prior to the T-3 finish at Augusta National was a T-10 at last year’s final major, the Open Championship. There is not a tremendously successful history with Max winning at the professional level. Six wins on the PGA Tour is nothing to scoff at. But it doesn’t seem like the trajectory of a budding star on the tour. Max Homa is does something that very few other PGA Tour or LIV Golf members; shows his personality.
![The Masters - Final Round](https://espnswfl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2024/04/GettyImages-2148631926.jpg)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 14: Max Homa of the United States walks to the 11th tee during the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Max Homa and New Media
Max Homa is connecting with the next generation of both sports fans and golf fans. For decades the only access fans got to the elite players was buttoned up press-conferences and other settings that could be controlled. Max Homa seems more uncomfortable in those settings that the ones that his fans see him on regularly. I’m talking about podcasts and YouTube. Max Homa makes regular appearances on Pardon My Take, one of the most listened to podcasts in America. He has also done YouTube video’s with channels like Bob Does Sports. He seems much more relaced in those settings and it’s clear that the fans of the sport are embracing him with open arms.
Even though Max came up short in The Masters this year, his future in the sports seems to be a fan favorite for a long time. Only time will tell if Max can become one of the true elite players in the game, or if his popularity is tied to being a “lovable loser”. And I am not calling Max a loser. T-3 at The Masters is quite the accomplishment that only a handful of golfers have ever accomplished. If he does start finding the winner’s circle at major’s he should keep being accessible to his fans through the “new media” outlets that have clearly garnered him a tremendous following.