AUGUSTA (Ga.) – There are many emotions that can be triggered by stepping up to the Augusta National Golf Club’s first tee box on Thursday.
Fear, nervousness, excitement.
A Masters Tournament start can be daunting for amateur golfers, many of whom have never played competitive rounds of golf in front tens of thousands.
This is where the tournament committee steps in. The combination of former champions and amateurs can create a learning environment that can provide life-long lessons in golf. This is not only for amateurs.
How Masters champs, amateurs are paired
How does it all work? Are champions allowed to choose with whom they are paired?
Larry Mize, 1987 Masters champion, said “No.” “That’s what the tournament committee does.”
A portion of this remains a mystery.
We do know that the U.S. Amateur champ is often paired with the Masters champ, i.e. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Bennett. It seems that the tournament committee will decide what happens next.
Passing the torch
This dynamic is not black and white. Many of these players are competing for Sunday’s green jacket. It takes a special mindset to remain competitive while being an ambassador for professional golf and the Masters.
“You know, at this stage in my life, at this stage professionally, at my personal life, I believe they are cheering me on. These young children are amazing. You want them all to succeed. “You want them to feel the same way I felt,” Bubba Watson, two-time Masters champion, said. “Even though they are trying to beat me, I hope that they feel it one year later. It’s my hope that they feel it as well. You pull for them. You make good shots. They are encouraged. You tell them to putt well and hit the ball hard. Hopefully they will enjoy this experience, no matter what the weather.
Masters leaderboard : The latest news from Augusta
Tiger Woods, five-time Masters champion, recalled his playing days at the 1995 Masters as an amateur with Fred Couples, Raymond Floyd and compared it to his role in 2023 as a veteran.
“Well, I think I am sharing more knowledge now due to the fact that I was constantly asking men how to play this course. It was that transition when I asked all the guys how they played this course and now they want to know how to play,” he explained.
It’s one of the best things about the tournament and its history. It’s being able see different generations and to be a part. As I mentioned, playing — you go back as far as ’95 and playing alongside Freddie and Raymond. Fred still texts me nearly every day. It’s a great way to make these memories during practice rounds or at the tournament.”
Learning experience
Bernhard Langer will be his partner, but Ben Carr, a senior at Georgia Southern, had the chance to play two practice rounds this week with Mize. Mize’s advice and presence helped calm his nerves, he said.
Woods reminisces about his time at the 1995 Masters as an amateur, playing with Raymond Floyd and Fred Couples, and ties it to his role in 2023 as a veteran.
Carr stated, “Gosh Larry’s said to me many times, I mean you can get into the habit of playing just as conservative out here,” Carr added. Carr said that while there are certain chances to be conservative, he advises to seize the opportunity to play more conservatively.
Mize, who in January announced that Augusta National would be his last competitive appearance, has a simple message to share with the seven amateurs this week.
“Enjoy it. It comes down to this: the more you enjoy it the better your game will be. He said that it was important not to over-exaggerate the tournament’s importance. It’s a major. It’s my favorite tournament. To truly enjoy the game and to trust your abilities, you must believe in it. Then, let it go. This golf course is something you must respect, but not fear. Fear is not a good thing. Otherwise, it will be a long week.
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By: Will Cheney
Title: Learning experience: Masters champions, amateurs set to tee it up together at 2023 Masters
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/05/masters-champions-amateurs-tee-it-up-together-2023-masters/
Published Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:34:33 +0000
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