Ghim’s tourney is more pros than cons

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Perhaps the only player who will have had a better Masters week than whomever wins the green jacket on Sunday is Doug Ghim. Not only was the 21-yearold from the University of Texas, and the runner-up at the U.S. Amateur, the only amateur to make the cut, but on Saturday he carded his third eagle of the tournament, for which he’ll be awarded three pieces of crystal from the club.

Asked what he’ll do with the crystal, Ghim said, “I don’t know, I guess decorate my room. I don’t know what else to say. Just very excited and glad that I get to bring some hardware home.’’

Ghim is guaranteed, too, to win the trophy for being the low amateur.

“That is probably the most honorable thing that I’ve done as a golfer,’’ he said. “I mean I’ve had the opportunity to play on a Walker Cup team, Palmer Cup team, on a national championship with my [Texas] team and finish second at the U.S. Amateur.

“But to be here and to play against the best players in the world is definitely a confidence boost moving forward, the fact that I could perform somewhat close to what I feel like I can. I feel like I could do better than I think 6-over-par is what I finished at. But I’m going to credit that to some nerves, inexperience.

“This is my first [PGA] Tour event, let alone a major championship. But a lot of positives to move forward. As great of a week as this has been and as happy as I am to be playing the weekend, I also understand that there’s a lot to do and a lot of work to do to be able to have the dream and contend for one of those jackets.

“But being here on the weekend amongst the best players in the world on one of the most special golf courses in the world is definitely a great motivator for years to come.’’

Matthew Fitzpatrick, the 23year-old Englishman, made the biggest move among the players who teed off early Saturday, shooting a 5under-par 67 to move to even par for the week.

“The course was a little bit more there for the taking, really,’’ he said. “The greens were softer and I just felt like it was easier to get at a few flags maybe, just because you could stop it. The first two days I’ve actually drove it brilliant all week, just not really hit the irons close.’’

Paul Casey, who recently won the Valspar Championship, also posted a strong early round with a 3-under-par 69 while playing with Augusta National member Jeff Knox, who serves as a “marker’’ after the cut is made and there are an odd number of players remaining. In this case, 53 players made the cut, so Knox was paired with Casey.

“We both know the course very well,’’ Casey said. “We both played nice, clean rounds of golf. Obviously I prefer how we played it today in pace of play. I would love to do that every single weekend if I could.’’