Long heads to Augusta to take part in Masters
A rollercoaster year for Lansdown Golf Club’s Joe Long starts this week as he flies to Georgia to take up his invitation to play in the 2021 US Masters Tournament at Augusta National in April.
Long’s invitation to the Masters is the result of his fabulous win at Royal Birkdale last August when he became the R&A’S 2020 Amateur Champion. Long also gets automatic exemption to play in the US Open at Torrey Pines, California, in June and back home for the Open Championship at Royal St Georges in July.
And, on top of that, Long has been selected for the Walker Cup team when the US and Great Britain & Ireland compete for arguably the most prestigious amateur prize in the golfing world. This year, the Walker Cup will be played in the US in May at Seminole, in Florida.
Long has spent the winter in South Africa, staying at his girlfriend’s home, keeping in touch with his coach online and practising daily in events and matches at local clubs. He plans to spend two weeks in Georgia ahead of the Masters, where he will meet up with his caddie and play various courses getting used to the climate and the grass.
He will set foot on the famous turf at Augusta National for practice rounds from March 22-25.
Long’s family live in Bristol and, although travel to the US is restricted due to Covid, he is hoping that his dad will be able to get a travel waiver so he can travel to Augusta and cheer him on.
Long joined Lansdown as a junior member when he was 11 and hard work and natural talent has taken him to the highest level of amateur golf. He has had an amazing amateur career and is keen to thank the club, Gloucestershire County Union and England Golf for their support and encouragement.
Later in the year, he plans to turn professional and play his way onto the European Tour where, no doubt, further successes await him.
But, for now, 2021 promises to be a year Long will never forget. He said: “It’s all pretty crazy but very, very special. I will do my best to play well and make the most of these amazing opportunities.”