LIVING A DREAM
Wyckoff’s Hoffmann awed by 1st Masters appearance
AUGUSTA, Ga.— There’s nothing like your first time.
“It’s surreal,’’ Morgan Hoffmann said. “It wasn’t an adrenaline kind of rush; it was more calming — a feeling of, ‘ Wow, I’ve finally done it.’ It’s been a dream since I was a kid.’’
Hoffmann, a Wyckoff, N. J., resident who after years of playing hockey as a youth has been playing professional golf since 2011, truly will realize his dream when he plays the opening round of the Masters on Thursday at Augusta National in his first trip to one of the meccas of golf. He’s paired with Steve Stricker and Matt Every, teeing off at 9: 57 a. m.
Hoffmann said when he got to Amen Corner in his Tuesday practice round, “I just sat there and was like, ‘ This is insane.’ I just took it all in.’’
There’s been a lot of that going on for the 25- year old who was born in Franklin Lakes andw ent to Oklahoma State.
But, although Hoffmann is a first- timer, he doesn’t feel like one when he’s on the golf course because he said he’s been watching it on TV since as long as he can remember— Tiger Woods’ Tiger Woods first win in 1997 ( Hoffmann was 6). While pla aying the practice rounds, the ere’s been an eerie familiarity to it.
“It’s really cool when you get on the gree ens and know the putts alr ready because you’ ve watched it since yo ou were 5 years old d,’’ he said. “It’s a reall ly cool feeling, but t son, being I feel here like in per I’m rm watching it on TV still … but I’m actually here. It’s really crazy.’’
It’s been a crazy run for Hoffmann, who after finishing fourth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational las st month at Bay H Hill received some kind advice from Palmer and, before he came to Augusta, he had a helpful conversation with Jack Nicklaus about Masters strategy.
“I try and pick as many people’s brain as I can,’’ Hoffmann said. “I talked to Jack Nicklaus on Saturday. He gave me some really great tips. He just said, ‘ Keep it simple, hit to the middle of greens, you don’t have to play really aggressive, because there are going to be a lot of bogeys made and a lot of birdies if you play smart.’ ’’
Hoffmann has his family, including his father, Greg, who caddied for him in Wednesday’s Par- 3 Contest, at Augusta this week
“I feel great, really comfortable here,’’ he said. “This is the greatest place a golfer can ever be. You won’t see me get mad around here thisweek.’’
His caddie, Steve Underwood, who has caddied for Tim Clark several times at Augusta, should be a help to Hoffmann.
“He seems very relaxed, very at ease,’’ Underwood said. “I haven’t really seen much nerves at all. He’s hitting it good, the course suits him well because he hits it high and long and putts well. He’s ready to go. He’s He s just ex extremely calm, especially aroun nd here. He knows the cours se really suits him. I expect him to continue that way y. Who knows if the aura of Augusta will get to him ata some point? I’m hop ping not, but I guess th hat’s part of my job.’’
If Hoff mann is able to win this week, he wouldw be the first Masters rookie to win the Green Jack ket since Fuzzy Zo eller did it in 1979.
“I’m obviously going out t there to win,” he said. “If I play my game and if I play my best, I have a really good
cha ance.’’