Bailey and fellow Dukes head to 2026 Masters

Rachel Bailey is heading back to one of the most iconic events in sports — this time with even greater responsibility.

The James Madison University Sport and Recreation Management major will return to Augusta National Golf Club this spring for the Masters Tournament, stepping into a leadership role as a tournament workforce assistant. After working as a server in the prestigious Founders Room last year, Bailey was selected for an expanded position supporting hospitality operations across the event.

“This year, I’ll be working with all the employees across the hospitality side,” Bailey said. “It’s kind of a human resources role — being there for anything they need.”

According to JMU Sport and Recreation Management Program Director Alyssa Bosley, The Masters provides a unique hands-on learning opportunity for 20 JMU students who come from Sport and Recreation Management, Hospitality Management and Sport and Recreation Leadership. “Over the years, our students’ roles have continued to grow and expand,” she says. “This year, students will be working in areas such as main golf shop operations and in hospitality roles as hosts, hostesses, and servers in exclusive spaces around the course, including the Founders Room, Map & Flag, and Berckmans Place.”

And thanks to the fine work of Bailey, classmate and co-student trip leader Ashley Ingram and the other standout students, the Hart School continues to make a name for itself at The Masters.

“It has been exciting to see these opportunities continue to elevate over time, both in the range of assignments available and in the professional growth they offer our students,” Bosley says.

Bailey’s new position comes after an additional application process that included submitting a resume and completing a video interview.

“This is quite a jump up from serving,” she said. “It’s all very exciting.”

A Keezletown, Virginia, native, Bailey has built a strong foundation of hands-on experience during her time at JMU. In addition to her work at Augusta National, she has gained experience at the BMW Championship and through her role with JMU Athletics Facilities and Events.

She credits that experience — along with her involvement across campus — for preparing her to take on opportunities like the Masters.

“Being involved has made my experience the best it could possibly be,” Bailey said.

As she returns to Augusta National, Bailey continues to turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience — building skills that will carry forward into her future career.