Just two weeks ago Jordan Spieth became the second youngest golfer in history to win the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Spieth showing that the game of golf is still growing from all ages opened some eyes and possibly some doors for other golfers.
Paula Creamer a decorated LPGA player tweeted out two days after Spieth’s victory that she hoped Augusta would consider a LPGA Masters at Augusta. This tweet coming Just five years after Augusta announced their first female member, Condoleezza Rice. Creamer went on to say that women are apart of the growth of the game.
I hope The Masters will consider a Women's Masters soon. They do so much to grow the game. Fastest area of golf growth is women! #6Majors?
Creamer could not be more right. Female golfers are playing the game now more than ever. The population of female golfers has been on the rise the last decade after sitting at stand still for many decades before. The popularity of the game has risen and the next step is a LPGA Masters held annually at the famed Augusta National.
There has not been any comments made by Augusta National on Creamer’s tweet to date, but with out a doubt she turned some heads and got people thinking about the possibility of the idea.
The 79th Masters is upon us signaling that spring is officially here.
The Masters is the only major championship played at the same course every year for the PGA Tour, so what makes it so special. Let me tell you that Augusta National is more perfect than any artist could paint or even imagine. Each and every year the course is in perfect condition, the tournament only lets the top 100 players in the world participate, and its the only tournament you can drink a beer for $4.00 while on the grounds.
Each and every year this tournament never lets us down. It brings us the excitement of the Super Bowl, the anticipation of the Kentucky Derby, and the intenseness of the Daytona 500 all in one weekend. This year is not different.
Tiger Woods is in the field for the first time in over 90 days after taking a leave of absence. Rory Mcilroy is the favorite with his impressive play this year. Jordan Speith the young gun of the tour is another player to watch out for, especially after his second place performance last year at this tournament. Two time Masters winner Bubba Watson is another hands on favorite not only as the defending champion but the the champion the last two out of three years. Don’t forget about Phil Mickelson, the 43 year old lefty still has plenty of game left in him. Phil has been the most consistent player on tour this year with three top 5’s in seven tournaments.
The Masters a tournament like none other will be no different this year. The field is wide open and ready to hold the drama that is Augusta National. It has been called the most emotional golf tournament to play, and that goes the same for the ones viewing it.
The 25-year-old golfer is currently ranked No. 1 in the world, has the consistent game and confidence to carry him to success this season, and is being compared as equal to Tiger Woods when he was in his prime.
There’s only one problem: Rory McIlroy is not the next Tiger Woods.
In fact, it’s hard to imagine any one golfer coming up to take that title because quite simply, there won’t be another Tiger Woods.
The Northern Irishman has been in fine form for nearly a year, and looking ahead to the 2015 season, he appears to be a dominant force. He has 4 Major PGA titles to his name since claiming his first at the U.S. Open in 2011. This year’s Masters will give McIlroy the chance to capture a Career Slam, and odds are in his favor to do so.
Rory McIlroy Courtesy: NY Post
Woods, however, is a perennial legend of the game. He joined the professional tour at just 20 years old, and by 21 had won his first Major. At 24, he became the youngest player to achieve a Career Grand Slam and a year later at 25, Woods had already won half of his 14 Major titles.
Alright, so now that I got the required mention of Tiger out of the way, lets focus on something that you will not see plastered on the cover of every sports page in the world.
With Thursday’s Masters tournament creeping up quickly, there are a select few players who need to perform exceptionally well in the four-round tournament. I am not speaking of the obvious choices of Bubba Watson or Rory McIlroy. I am speaking of guys you have probably never heard of. I am speaking about the six guys who, even if they win the green jacket on Sunday, will not see a dime of the $8 million purse. I am speaking, of course, about the amateurs.
Each year, a handful of amateur players earn the right to play with the big guns at Augusta’s famed course. This year, six players have earned this prestigious honor. These amateurs will compete with 144 pro players for a shot at every golfer’s dream. The amateur players are:
Alan Dunbar- British Amateur Circuit champion
Steven Fox- American Amateur Circuit champion
Tianiang Guan- Asian Amateur Circuit champion
Nathan Smith- American Mid-Amateur Circuit champion
T.J. Vogel- American Amateur Public Links champion
Mike Weaver- American Amateur Circuit runner-up
While it would be great for fans to see all six of these players make the first cut, have the tournament of their lives, and finish near the top of the field on Sunday, any rational golf fan could tell there is no chance in this happening. However, the field of amateurs does offer two names that could make a splash in the 2013 Masters. Dunbar and Fox, both 22-year-old young guns, are definite amateurs that have a chance to play the upset card this weekend.
Dunbar, the British Amateur champion, is known for his calm demeanor and patient play. The Northern Ireland native has often been compared to fellow countryman McIlroy, yet offers a swing unique to himself. Spending the last four years capturing numerous British tournament trophies, Dunbar won a shoot-out last fall at Royal Troon GC to capture the British Amateur Championship.
This victory guaranteed the amateur a spot in the 2012 Open Championship, along with this year’s Masters and U.S. Open tournaments. Dunbar hopes to avoid a repeat of the Open Championship, where a second round 71 could not undo the damage from a first round score of 75. He missed the cut, and was sent home much earlier than he had hoped.
As he enters Thursday’s tournament, Dunbar looks to capitalize on his major experiences and turn some heads in his last appearance as an Amateur. Following the Masters, he will turn professional. Therefore, it is key for Dunbar to have a strong showing to guarantee better sponsorships.
While Dunbar is hoping to make a big impression just before turning pro, Fox is simply looking to make the first step toward improving his career. The Tennessee native is currently the golf team captain at the University of Tennessee, but hasn’t let schooling slow down his progress on the amateur circuit.
In 2012, Fox won a 17-person playoff to earn a spot in the U.S. amateur at Cherry Hills CC. In an amazing comeback on the back nine, he grabbed the championship. The victory guaranteed a spot in this year’s Masters, U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. Unlike Dunbar, Fox has never played in a major event, but still promises to match the big dogs.
Amateur Steven Fox practices in Augusta (Courtesy of gomocs.com)
Fox’s big selling point comes from his unfaltering mechanics. The fundamentals of golf guide every swing for the college senior, leading to few mistakes and consistent play. What Fox lacks in power, he makes up for in accuracy. In 115 college rounds, he has over 320 birdies. Needless to say, Fox is banking on his steadiness and reliability to carry him through the cut and onto the top of the leader board at the 77th Masters.
While Dunbar and Fox seem to be facing an uphill battle, many agree that the two have long golf careers ahead of them, and the journey starts Thursday. You can track how the amateurs and the rest of the field progress at the official Masters website here.
A sports magazine by sports journalism students at Western New England University
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