Junior Success
The first-ever day of the Junior Pass program was judged a success by Patrons who brought their kids with them to witness the Tournament in person.
“I was thrilled when I heard about it,” said Sharon Fox from LaGrange, GA. “I’ve been coming for 13 years and think it’s the greatest thing ever. My mother has come to 34 Masters and she thinks it’s great as well.”
The program, which allows Patrons to bring one child per Masters badge, ages 8-16, was instituted as a way to grow the game of golf and expose it to a younger audience.
That’s exactly what could happen, according to 16-year-old Kristine Maney of Marion, NC.
“At our high school, hardly anybody plays golf, but just being here and seeing this will get you excited,” she said.
Roger Maney, a seven-year Patron, said he was thrilled his favorite Tournament would aid his favorite sport.
“I just love it,” Maney said. “I have two badges and two kids, so I’ve only been able to bring one a year, rotating them. Now we can all be together.”
Mason McAlexander, Fox’s grandson, came to the Masters from Conway, AR to watch his first Masters.
“This is pretty cool,” he said. “I’ve never been before, but it’s really exciting.”
Masters Chairman Billy Payne watched as some of the first junior Patrons came through the gates Thursday with their family. On Wednesday, he said the idea was the result of several good things coming together.
“What a great combination, bringing kids in to see their heroes (and) at the same time expose them to the great attributes on how our fans act and behave and enjoy the game of golf,” he said. “It was a win-win.”
Long Live Master Player
With one swing into the early-morning Augusta National air, Gary Player set a all-time Masters record, playing in his 51st Tournament.
“I must admit, I felt a little pressure, a bit of nerves today,” Player said. “It just a great honor to know I’ve played on this course and this Tournament more than any man.”
Player said at age 72 he feels his par at Augusta National is 80, making is opening 83 respectable.
“I played poorly for the first nine holes, but better on the second nine, so I feel good about that,” said Player.
With his record in hand, Player said he hasn’t made up his mind about how many more he will play in, only that he hopes to return in 2009 and maybe many more.
Of active players, Raymond Floyd is second with 44 Tournament appearances followed by Ben Crenshaw (37) and Tom Watson (35).
Opening Ace
England’s Ian Poulter made the 11th ace in Masters history at the 16th hole Thursday as part of his opening round 70.
It was Poulter’s third career hole-in-one.
“It was just a great buzz when it went in,” said the Englishman, “really an electrifying experience to know I had done it on a grand stage with thousands of people watching.
Poulter’s 8-iron on the 169-yards hole landed right of the flagstick and used the slope of the green to dive into the hole.
Streak Struck?
Fred Couples shot a first round 76, putting his consecutive cut mark of 23 in a row in danger. But the former champion said he still can come back in the second round.
“It wasn’t like I played bad, but you have to make some birdies and I didn’t do that today,” said the past Champion.
“I’m playing in the afternoon tomorrow, so I will get some rest and hopefully not be in the same drag where I didn’t play good.”
Couples has not missed the 36-hole cut in his Masters career.
