Players qualify to compete in the Masters Tournament through a variety of ways. Golfers are invited through 18 different qualifications plus, on occasion, international players chosen by the Masters Committee not otherwise qualified.
And, for many first-time competitors, the wait can seem endless.
The April 7-13 dates at Augusta National Golf Club can’t get here soon enough for first-time player and PGA Tour veteran, Heath Slocum.
He turned pro in 1996, but is getting his first on-course look at the Augusta National layout after finishing in the top 30 of the PGA Tour money list in 2007 and making the Tour Championship field.
“The invitation coming in the mail was when it first hit me. It has been a long journey and to get the formal invitation was very special,” he said.
“When I arrive at Augusta (National), I am sure the first drive down Magnolia Lane will be as special as any drive I have ever made. The history of the (Augusta) National and the chance to tee it up on Thursday in front of the great fans and volunteers in the yellow hats will bring a smile to my face.”
Slocum said he will be bringing many members of his family to the 2008 Masters as a reward for their encouragement throughout his professional golf career.
“My first Masters. That has a nice ring to it. It is truly a childhood dream and an honor to have the chance to play at Augusta. I had a great 2007 and look forward to following it up with some wins in 2008, and a Green Jacket would be the icing on the cake.”
Other PGA Tour members making their first Masters trip are Brian Bateman, Boo Weekley, John Senden and Bubba Watson.
Weekley, who qualified in multiple ways, and Bateman were invited after victories in PGA Tour events last year. Senden and Watson were invited off high finishes in other majors.
“Of all the tournaments we get to play, this is the one I really wanted to get into,” said Weekley. “It’s an honor.”
Amateurs Michael Thompson and Drew Weaver are both making their first-ever Masters appearances.
“I’m very honored to be able to play in the Masters this year,” said Weaver, a member of the Virginia Tech golf team from High Point, N.C., who qualified by becoming the first American in 27 years to win the British Amateur last summer.
“It will be a great thrill to me and my friends and family. I have been there before, but to actually play there during the tournament will be incredible. I’m very excited.”
Equally thrilled is Thompson from Tucson, Arizona, who qualified by finishing runner-up in the 2007 U.S. Amateur.
“Even though I didn’t achieve my goal of winning the (U.S.) Amateur, I’m still very excited about making it to the Masters,” he said. “I’ve played in some big tournaments before, but never anything like this. I can’t wait.”
At press time, the list of other first-year players include, Daniel Chopra and J.B. Holmes, Tour winners in 2008; Nick Dougherty, Richard Green, Anders Hansen, Soren Hansen, Andres Romero, Richard Sterne and Nick Watney. Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand) and Liang Wen Chong (China) are talented international golfers granted an invitation and making their initial visit to Augusta.
The final two chances to qualify for the 2008 Masters field include any player in the top 50 on the World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the 2008 Masters and anyone winning a full-point allocation PGA Tour event before this year’s Masters.
Zach Johnson is this year’s defending champion, having won his first Masters Tournament in stirring fashion last April.
