The 18-year-old is believed to be the first high school golfer to compete in the prestigious event that boasts Hall of Fame winners like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods.
Thursday at Augusta, Howell was paired with surefire future Hall of Famer Rory McIlroy, last year's Masters winner, and reigning Players Championship winner Cam Young.
The University of Georgia commit carded a 5-over 77 in the first round. The highlight of the round was back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 as he was 2-under on the last five holes of his round. He also birdied the par-5 eighth, calmly sinking a four-foot birdie.
He posted double bogeys on the par-3 fourth and the par-3 12th, one of the signature holes at Amen Corner. On 12, he hit long into a bunker, had to chip out sideways before chipping up and two putting for the five.
While looking to make the cut, Howell also is aiming to be the low amateur which is a point of pride at Augusta as tournament co-founder Bobby Jones was one of the game's greatest amateurs.
Howell earned entry into the Masters after winning the U.S. Amateur in a thrilling victory at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He is the third-youngest U.S. Amateur winner. In addition to the invite to Augusta, Howell also earned an exemption into the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.
