A different experience awaits newcomers at Masters in April
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Paul Casey needed only 11 holes to realize a Masters in November was an experience unlike any other at Augusta National.
He had a 6-iron to a left pin on the par-5 second hole at Augusta National. Any other year — any April, really — he would have aimed well right of the flag. On this soft, autumn day, he took on the pin. The ball plopped down 6 feet away.
“You can’t hit that shot in April,” he said. “That shot in April would have one-hopped over into the patrons.” Consider that a warning. For all but 19 players in the field, the Masters back in April should feel like it usually does. There are pins to attack. There are pins to avoid. It doesn’t take much to get out of position.
For someone like Sebastian Munoz, who made his debut last year, it could be about starting over.
Munoz is among 13 players who played the Masters for the first time last November when it was postponed seven months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He had gone to Augusta National once before for a scouting trip after qualifying by winning the Sanderson Farms Championship. Just his luck, that practice round was in November, too.
“I think that’s why I played good. I knew what to expect,“Munoz said.
He was 9-under par through 54 holes until closing with a 75 to tie for 19th. Sungjae Im set the record for lowest score by a newcomer at 15-under 273, a score that would have won all but eight of the previous 84 Masters.
Mehaffey soaking in Augusta National
Even in the morning chill, Olivia Mehaffey of Northern Ireland soaked up the experience of playing at the home of the Masters. It was just as amazing as her first experience two years ago in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
There was one notable difference Friday. Only one shot out of the lead, she was practicing with purpose.
“Today I was like, I’ve seen Augusta before and it’s incredible,’ and I had that on every single hole,” said Mehaffey, in her final year at Arizona State. “Today I was more focused on my golf, preparing what to expect, where to be, some of the putts. Having that experience allows you to focus a little bit more on the golf course and where you want to be tomorrow.”
The final round is Saturday morning. In only its second year, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur already has become a showcase event for amateurs because of where they’re playing. NBC Sports is televising the final three hours, and if last time was any indication, it could be quite a show.
Jennifer Kupcho, a former NCAA champion, put on a charge that rivals some of the best moment in Masters history. She finished with an eagle and three birdies over the final six holes to beat out close friend Maria Fassi.
U.S. Amateur champion Rose Zhang, the No. 1 female amateur in the world, and Ingrid Lindblad of Sweden were tied for the lead. They were at 1-under 215 after two rounds at Champions Retreat.
Mehaffey and Auston Kim were another shot back.
The winner gets a silver trophy, but no green jacket. Some of the 30 women who made the cut feel the ANWA — in its second year, it’s already known by its acronym — rivals any amateur tournament in the world.