PGA Tour veterans Jeff Overton and Paul Goydos are the early leaders in the IFQ America event, where 94 players are battling it out for 14 places in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Overton posted a 9-under-par 63 to put his name at the top of the list of 48 players at TPC Michigan. Not far behind him was Australian Steve Elkington, who lost a four-way play-off for the 2002 Open to Ernie Els, with a 65. Tom Pernice Jr. is third after a six-under-par 66 for his morning round.
Across Michigan at Dearborn Country Club, Paul Goydos shot a 7-under-par 65 to lead the contingent of 46 players.
"I scored really well today," said Goydos, who lost a playoff to Sergio Garcia at The Players Championship in May. "It started out a little sketchy but then everything good that could possibly happen, happened. It was a good solid day. I hung in there early and it got steadier as the day went on."
Goydos is hoping the afternoon 18 will be as good and give him a chance to play in The Open for the first time in his 15-year career.
"It's disappointing not to have played in it thus far. Probably other than winning, this is my number one goal this year this qualifier and playing in the Open. I want to play in the British Open, thats where history is."
Among those contending for a spot at Dearborn is Davis Love III, who is glad to be healthy once again after off-season ankle surgery. His morning round of 67 puts him tied for fourth and in a good position to qualify.
"You don't know what to expect out here because we've never competed on this course," said Love. "You don't know what guys are going to shoot so you just try to birdie every hole. You just try to shoot as low as you can and not try to think about the outcome."
Love, with 19 PGA Tour wins to his name, needs another good 18 to ensure an appearance in The Open for a 22nd consecutive year.
"They've only got four majors and it's important to get in them," said Love. "It's the oldest tournament in the world, so I'm excited to try and get in."
Johnson Wagner, winner of the Shell Houston Open in early April, carded a 6-under 66 at Dearborn and has positioned himself for his first Open try.
"Missing the cut at the Buick Open helped me only because I got to come down here early and play a practice round. This course is similar to Warwick Hills, it's a tight golf course," said Wagner. "The Open Championship is a great event. I've grown up watching it and it would be a dream to go and play it. I'd love to test my skills on a different type of golf course."
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dyson and Baker survive IFQ play-off drama
Simon Dyson and Peter Baker survived a six-man play-off for the last two qualifying places at IFQ Europe, held at Sunningdale.
Alongside the English duo were Ross McGowan and Chris Rodgers, also of England, Alastair Forsyth, of Scotland, and Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain. Forsyth and McGowan were both knocked out at the first extra hole after failing to get up and down, and Rodgers went at the next with a bogey. On the third hole, Olazabal drove into the rough with a 5-wood and was forced to lay up, eventually playing his third from behind where Dyson's monstrous drive had finished. Baker was also safely on in two, leaving Olazabal a 20ft putt to stay alive, a putt which he left short.
Dyson was particularly relieved to have made it, having got to six under par with three holes left of regular play before dropping two shots to end up in the play-off. But his huge drive to within 50 yards of the green on the final play-off hole secured his place. "It's a good play, it takes the bunkers out of the equation," he said of the drive from which he pitched to six feet. "All I was doing with the putt was trying not to knock it four feet past!"
Olazabal, by contrast, must have been hugely disappointed to fail at the last hurdle, since he had followed an indifferent 71 in the morning with a 65 in the afternoon to put himself in with a chance. Yet the Spaniard is still carrying an injury - he said that he would not have been playing had a spot in The Open not been up for grabs - and perhaps his fitness began to take its toll on the 39th hole of the day.
Alastair Forsyth will be similarly disappointed. He had qualification in his hands who had a beautiful 65 in the morning but dropped back with a 71 in the afternoon. As if that weren't enough, he will return home this evening to the news that his brief tenure as Scottish number one is over, following Colin Montgomerie's second place finish at the weekend.
Earlier in the afternoon Simon Wakefield followed an opening round of 65 with a 68 to finish among the top the qualifiers at IFQ Europe. An avalanche of late birdies in his opening round allowed Wakefiled the luxury of relaxing somewhat over his lunch, knowing that steady burn rather than fireworks would be all that he needed in the afternoon. A steady 68 was plenty, and he is relishing the thought of heading to Birkdale in three weeks' time.
Though it's a course he's never played, he has strong memories of watching Ian Baker-Finch winning the 1991 Open at the venue. "At the time I was too busy climbing conker trees to worry about playing golf," said Wakefield. "But my mum and dad took me along there to try and inspire me to get back into the game. It worked!"
Round of the day, however, belonged to Swede Alexander Noren, who must have considered packing up and going home after a morning 72 on the New Course. Yet he must be glad he stayed: a 63 on the Old Course in the afternoon propelled him up the leaderboard and secured him a spot at Birkdale. If anyone knows what he had for lunch, please let us know...
Elsewhere, 2007 Walker Cup player David Horsey made it through to The Open with fine rounds of 68 and 67. Horsey credited his recent win on the Challenge Tour with giving him the confidence he needed to play so well in one of the toughest days of the year on the Tour. "Winning a few weeks ago really kickstarted things for me," he said.
Several players had produced good morning rounds, only to fall away drastically over the second 18. Wales's Sion Bebb followed his opening 68 on the Old Course with an afternoon 77 on the New to go from being well-placed to near the bottom of the field. Equally disappointed will be England's Benn Barham, who shot 67-75; Australia's Matthew Zions, who shot 66-76; Robert Dinwiddie, with 66-72; and Mark Tullo, with 66-71. That none of them will be teeing up in The Open despite such good scoring goes to demonstrate the incredible strength in depth of this 240-man field.
Thomas Bjorn will also be ruing his luck, but for very different reasons. After a decent 68 in the morning, an injured shoulder forced him to withdraw after 11 holes of the afternoon round; he will be missing his first Open since 1995. "I tried to soldier on, particularly given that another player put a new slant on playing through injury a few weeks ago," said Bjorn, "but in the end I thought I should step aside and let Pelle [Edberg] concentrate on having a go at it." Bjorn walked the final holes with Edberg, marking his card and watching him finish on 135, safely within the likely qualifying number. But for Bjorn, it's disappointment, and having come to close to winning The Open at St George's in 2003 the Dane must be wondering if he is jinxed never to win the championship.
Alongside the English duo were Ross McGowan and Chris Rodgers, also of England, Alastair Forsyth, of Scotland, and Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain. Forsyth and McGowan were both knocked out at the first extra hole after failing to get up and down, and Rodgers went at the next with a bogey. On the third hole, Olazabal drove into the rough with a 5-wood and was forced to lay up, eventually playing his third from behind where Dyson's monstrous drive had finished. Baker was also safely on in two, leaving Olazabal a 20ft putt to stay alive, a putt which he left short.
Dyson was particularly relieved to have made it, having got to six under par with three holes left of regular play before dropping two shots to end up in the play-off. But his huge drive to within 50 yards of the green on the final play-off hole secured his place. "It's a good play, it takes the bunkers out of the equation," he said of the drive from which he pitched to six feet. "All I was doing with the putt was trying not to knock it four feet past!"
Olazabal, by contrast, must have been hugely disappointed to fail at the last hurdle, since he had followed an indifferent 71 in the morning with a 65 in the afternoon to put himself in with a chance. Yet the Spaniard is still carrying an injury - he said that he would not have been playing had a spot in The Open not been up for grabs - and perhaps his fitness began to take its toll on the 39th hole of the day.
Alastair Forsyth will be similarly disappointed. He had qualification in his hands who had a beautiful 65 in the morning but dropped back with a 71 in the afternoon. As if that weren't enough, he will return home this evening to the news that his brief tenure as Scottish number one is over, following Colin Montgomerie's second place finish at the weekend.
Earlier in the afternoon Simon Wakefield followed an opening round of 65 with a 68 to finish among the top the qualifiers at IFQ Europe. An avalanche of late birdies in his opening round allowed Wakefiled the luxury of relaxing somewhat over his lunch, knowing that steady burn rather than fireworks would be all that he needed in the afternoon. A steady 68 was plenty, and he is relishing the thought of heading to Birkdale in three weeks' time.
Though it's a course he's never played, he has strong memories of watching Ian Baker-Finch winning the 1991 Open at the venue. "At the time I was too busy climbing conker trees to worry about playing golf," said Wakefield. "But my mum and dad took me along there to try and inspire me to get back into the game. It worked!"
Round of the day, however, belonged to Swede Alexander Noren, who must have considered packing up and going home after a morning 72 on the New Course. Yet he must be glad he stayed: a 63 on the Old Course in the afternoon propelled him up the leaderboard and secured him a spot at Birkdale. If anyone knows what he had for lunch, please let us know...
Elsewhere, 2007 Walker Cup player David Horsey made it through to The Open with fine rounds of 68 and 67. Horsey credited his recent win on the Challenge Tour with giving him the confidence he needed to play so well in one of the toughest days of the year on the Tour. "Winning a few weeks ago really kickstarted things for me," he said.
Several players had produced good morning rounds, only to fall away drastically over the second 18. Wales's Sion Bebb followed his opening 68 on the Old Course with an afternoon 77 on the New to go from being well-placed to near the bottom of the field. Equally disappointed will be England's Benn Barham, who shot 67-75; Australia's Matthew Zions, who shot 66-76; Robert Dinwiddie, with 66-72; and Mark Tullo, with 66-71. That none of them will be teeing up in The Open despite such good scoring goes to demonstrate the incredible strength in depth of this 240-man field.
Thomas Bjorn will also be ruing his luck, but for very different reasons. After a decent 68 in the morning, an injured shoulder forced him to withdraw after 11 holes of the afternoon round; he will be missing his first Open since 1995. "I tried to soldier on, particularly given that another player put a new slant on playing through injury a few weeks ago," said Bjorn, "but in the end I thought I should step aside and let Pelle [Edberg] concentrate on having a go at it." Bjorn walked the final holes with Edberg, marking his card and watching him finish on 135, safely within the likely qualifying number. But for Bjorn, it's disappointment, and having come to close to winning The Open at St George's in 2003 the Dane must be wondering if he is jinxed never to win the championship.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Palmer Kicks Off 72nd Masters
Arnold Palmer celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first Masters victory Thursday morning, opening the 2008 Tournament by hitting for the first tee shot for the second year in a row.
Although early morning fog blanketed most of the first fairway at Augusta National Golf Club, it didn't stop hundreds of Patrons from crowding the first tee to see the four-time Masters Champion send his drive soaring into the air.
"Did you see that shot?," Palmer asked after his opening effort. "I hit the ball out of sight.
"Fifty years ago, I probably hit the ball further, but I can say hit it so far (today) I couldn't even see it."
Palmer was welcomed to the first tee by a standing ovation from the Patrons and a handshake from Masters Chairman Billy Payne.
"This is a man who is honored and respected around the world," Chairman Payne said. "This is the 50th year anniversary of his first Masters victory and we're pleased he would be here with us again."
Wearing a yellow Masters shirt, Palmer took one practice swing before hitting the opening shot and waving to the Patrons.
"This is a great tradition," Palmer said of the honorary starter position, which dates back to 1963 with Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod.
"There is a lot of enthusiasm here this morning. You can see it and feel it. I think this will be one of the best Masters ever."
Palmer left shortly after his tee shot landed to return to his summer home in Latrobe, PA, to see his wife Kit who had two surgeries last weekend in Pittsburgh for an ankle infection and was recently released from the hospital.
But Palmer promised he would return for 2009, playing his special role and uphold the Masters tradition he holds so dear.
"I think Billy Payne has done a great job here as chairman and I'm glad to be a part of this," Palmer said.
Although early morning fog blanketed most of the first fairway at Augusta National Golf Club, it didn't stop hundreds of Patrons from crowding the first tee to see the four-time Masters Champion send his drive soaring into the air.
"Did you see that shot?," Palmer asked after his opening effort. "I hit the ball out of sight.
"Fifty years ago, I probably hit the ball further, but I can say hit it so far (today) I couldn't even see it."
Palmer was welcomed to the first tee by a standing ovation from the Patrons and a handshake from Masters Chairman Billy Payne.
"This is a man who is honored and respected around the world," Chairman Payne said. "This is the 50th year anniversary of his first Masters victory and we're pleased he would be here with us again."
Wearing a yellow Masters shirt, Palmer took one practice swing before hitting the opening shot and waving to the Patrons.
"This is a great tradition," Palmer said of the honorary starter position, which dates back to 1963 with Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod.
"There is a lot of enthusiasm here this morning. You can see it and feel it. I think this will be one of the best Masters ever."
Palmer left shortly after his tee shot landed to return to his summer home in Latrobe, PA, to see his wife Kit who had two surgeries last weekend in Pittsburgh for an ankle infection and was recently released from the hospital.
But Palmer promised he would return for 2009, playing his special role and uphold the Masters tradition he holds so dear.
"I think Billy Payne has done a great job here as chairman and I'm glad to be a part of this," Palmer said.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Par 3 Contest Focused On Family Fun
The first-ever televised Masters Par 3 Contest turned into an internationally seen festival of player fun and family togetherness Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club.
While last year's Masters Tournament runner-up, Rory Sabbatini of South Africa was the 2008 Par 3 Contest winner with a five-under score of 22, the day was mainly dedicated to player-Patron interaction and excellent short course golf over the 1,060-yard layout.
"It was neat for them to see players can have fun out here," said Justin Leonard. "We're real people with real families and it was great to show that on TV and in person."
Leonard celebrated his return to the Masters after a two-year absence with his oldest daughter, Reese, caddying for him complete with white jumpsuit.
"It's scratchy," was her report of her new uniform, but later she celebrated with a cherry topped icy drink at the clubhouse along with her brother and sister.
"It's a very fun day," Leonard said
Sabbatini called his victory an, "honor and pleasure," after receiving the trophy on the 9th green.
For Canada's Stephen Ames, the annual Par 3 Contest is a return to a tradition he started in his first Masters Tournament in 2003.
Growing up in the tiny Caribbean island of Trinidad, Ames had never seen a Par 3 course and had never played one until his first Masters appearance.
"It was great," he recalled of that 2003 appearance. "The first one I ever played. I loved it."
The highlight for the players and the Patrons was the reunion of golf's Big 3, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player
"Oh, lot's of fun," Player said of the nine holes of standing ovations players received from the appreciative Patrons.
The highlight for the threesome came early as Palmer hit his first shot on the first hole to 22.5 inches, the best shot on the opening hole for the day. Nicklaus spun his tee shot back on the par 3 ninth hole to within a few feet of the hole and then joined his playing partners in signing autographs around the ninth green.
The relaxed atmosphere of the Par 3 Contest before the Masters begins Thursday is what keeps 13 year Patron Todd Hickingbotham coming back every year.
"The relaxed atmosphere is just great. They are laughing, joking and having fun before Thursday's play," he said.
He said seeing the Masters legends are what make the Wednesday special.
"It's just a great opportunity to see the legends one more time," Hickingbotham said. "These guys have made Augusta and the Masters what it is and what makes it special every year."
Steve Stricker, who may be one of the favorites in this year's Tournament, said he was glad to have the break before the competition.
"You try not to over do it on the last day," Stricker said. "Just play nine holes in the morning and do the Par 3."
Two-time Par 3 Contest winner Padraig Harrington, the reigning British Open champion, turned in his fourth top 10 finish. He said there was nothing to the Par 3 Contest jinx, where a winner at the short course has never won the 72-hole Tournament in the same year.
"I want to be the first to win both in the same year. It can be done and will be done," he said.
Sabbatini will test that theory starting Thursday, but the memories and fun will last at least for another year until the Par 3 Contest convenes again.
While last year's Masters Tournament runner-up, Rory Sabbatini of South Africa was the 2008 Par 3 Contest winner with a five-under score of 22, the day was mainly dedicated to player-Patron interaction and excellent short course golf over the 1,060-yard layout.
"It was neat for them to see players can have fun out here," said Justin Leonard. "We're real people with real families and it was great to show that on TV and in person."
Leonard celebrated his return to the Masters after a two-year absence with his oldest daughter, Reese, caddying for him complete with white jumpsuit.
"It's scratchy," was her report of her new uniform, but later she celebrated with a cherry topped icy drink at the clubhouse along with her brother and sister.
"It's a very fun day," Leonard said
Sabbatini called his victory an, "honor and pleasure," after receiving the trophy on the 9th green.
For Canada's Stephen Ames, the annual Par 3 Contest is a return to a tradition he started in his first Masters Tournament in 2003.
Growing up in the tiny Caribbean island of Trinidad, Ames had never seen a Par 3 course and had never played one until his first Masters appearance.
"It was great," he recalled of that 2003 appearance. "The first one I ever played. I loved it."
The highlight for the players and the Patrons was the reunion of golf's Big 3, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player
"Oh, lot's of fun," Player said of the nine holes of standing ovations players received from the appreciative Patrons.
The highlight for the threesome came early as Palmer hit his first shot on the first hole to 22.5 inches, the best shot on the opening hole for the day. Nicklaus spun his tee shot back on the par 3 ninth hole to within a few feet of the hole and then joined his playing partners in signing autographs around the ninth green.
The relaxed atmosphere of the Par 3 Contest before the Masters begins Thursday is what keeps 13 year Patron Todd Hickingbotham coming back every year.
"The relaxed atmosphere is just great. They are laughing, joking and having fun before Thursday's play," he said.
He said seeing the Masters legends are what make the Wednesday special.
"It's just a great opportunity to see the legends one more time," Hickingbotham said. "These guys have made Augusta and the Masters what it is and what makes it special every year."
Steve Stricker, who may be one of the favorites in this year's Tournament, said he was glad to have the break before the competition.
"You try not to over do it on the last day," Stricker said. "Just play nine holes in the morning and do the Par 3."
Two-time Par 3 Contest winner Padraig Harrington, the reigning British Open champion, turned in his fourth top 10 finish. He said there was nothing to the Par 3 Contest jinx, where a winner at the short course has never won the 72-hole Tournament in the same year.
"I want to be the first to win both in the same year. It can be done and will be done," he said.
Sabbatini will test that theory starting Thursday, but the memories and fun will last at least for another year until the Par 3 Contest convenes again.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wednesday's Masters Notes
Senior Master
In seven Champions Tour events this year, Bernhard Langer has already won twice and finished third once.
But two-time Masters Champion said that doesn't translate into making him a favorite for this year's Masters Tournament.
"This is the greatest course in the world, but it is so much longer than we're used to," he said "You have no idea," said the only German player ever to win the Masters title.
"The greens are so much faster than we have (on Champions Tour). But I have been playing very good lately and I'm looking forward to this."
The King Readies for his Throne
Four-time Champion Arnold Palmer said he was looking forward to his second year as the official starter Thursday to begin the 2008 Masters.
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it," said Palmer. "Everything about Augusta is special, from the trees to the flowers and the crowds and the course. I'm always happy to be here."
Palmer said it is extra special to begin the Tournament where four-time winner Tiger Woods begins his quest for the first modern Grand Slam in golf history.
It's a feat Palmer feels is possible.
"I know he (Woods) has what it takes, but can he do it at the right time?" said Palmer. "That's the question."
Course Conditions
Architect Tom Fazio said if there's perfect weekend weather for the Masters, it should allow the course to play as it was designed.
"You're always anxious to get to Augusta, to see how the course will hold up, and see what the weather will do," Fazio said. "I think with good weather and the par 72 course, the winner will return to low digits under par."
He said the reason there has been so much interest in the course changes is that everyone's loves watching the Masters and feel they know the course.
"Augusta National is like a relative to most people," he said. "They watch it and love it and feel like they know it. Everybody has an option, you just get use to it."
Boo thoughts
Florida native Boo Weekly is making his first visit to the Masters and the Augusta National.
He said he loves the course, the tournament, and the history, but still getting used to the number of Patrons who attend every day.
"I can't believe how many of them there are here," he said. "They all want you to pose for a photo or sign something; it's more than I've ever seen. Then when you're going home, they're all on that road out there. I'm staying six miles away and it takes me 45 minutes to get home"
Weekly said he hasn't been affected by nerves. He simply puts it in fishing terms what the Masters means to him.
"It's like fishing in Florida at your favorite lake and then going over to Texas," he said. "It's a new pond, the biggest one in the world. I'm glad to be here."
Ryder Summit
U.S. and European Ryder Cup Captains Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo held a brief meeting under a practice range tree Wednesday morning.
Azinger, whose best Masters finish was fifth place in 1998, and Faldo, a three-time Masters Champ, spent most of their time laughing and joking about past Masters experiences.
It's likely a marked contrast to their more serious meeting this September at the 2008 Ryder Cup.
Azinger played nine holes in a practice round with J.B. Holmes Wednesday and also participated in the Par 3 Contest.
"Nothing could make me more excited to be out here for the Masters and for this September," Azinger said.
In seven Champions Tour events this year, Bernhard Langer has already won twice and finished third once.
But two-time Masters Champion said that doesn't translate into making him a favorite for this year's Masters Tournament.
"This is the greatest course in the world, but it is so much longer than we're used to," he said "You have no idea," said the only German player ever to win the Masters title.
"The greens are so much faster than we have (on Champions Tour). But I have been playing very good lately and I'm looking forward to this."
The King Readies for his Throne
Four-time Champion Arnold Palmer said he was looking forward to his second year as the official starter Thursday to begin the 2008 Masters.
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it," said Palmer. "Everything about Augusta is special, from the trees to the flowers and the crowds and the course. I'm always happy to be here."
Palmer said it is extra special to begin the Tournament where four-time winner Tiger Woods begins his quest for the first modern Grand Slam in golf history.
It's a feat Palmer feels is possible.
"I know he (Woods) has what it takes, but can he do it at the right time?" said Palmer. "That's the question."
Course Conditions
Architect Tom Fazio said if there's perfect weekend weather for the Masters, it should allow the course to play as it was designed.
"You're always anxious to get to Augusta, to see how the course will hold up, and see what the weather will do," Fazio said. "I think with good weather and the par 72 course, the winner will return to low digits under par."
He said the reason there has been so much interest in the course changes is that everyone's loves watching the Masters and feel they know the course.
"Augusta National is like a relative to most people," he said. "They watch it and love it and feel like they know it. Everybody has an option, you just get use to it."
Boo thoughts
Florida native Boo Weekly is making his first visit to the Masters and the Augusta National.
He said he loves the course, the tournament, and the history, but still getting used to the number of Patrons who attend every day.
"I can't believe how many of them there are here," he said. "They all want you to pose for a photo or sign something; it's more than I've ever seen. Then when you're going home, they're all on that road out there. I'm staying six miles away and it takes me 45 minutes to get home"
Weekly said he hasn't been affected by nerves. He simply puts it in fishing terms what the Masters means to him.
"It's like fishing in Florida at your favorite lake and then going over to Texas," he said. "It's a new pond, the biggest one in the world. I'm glad to be here."
Ryder Summit
U.S. and European Ryder Cup Captains Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo held a brief meeting under a practice range tree Wednesday morning.
Azinger, whose best Masters finish was fifth place in 1998, and Faldo, a three-time Masters Champ, spent most of their time laughing and joking about past Masters experiences.
It's likely a marked contrast to their more serious meeting this September at the 2008 Ryder Cup.
Azinger played nine holes in a practice round with J.B. Holmes Wednesday and also participated in the Par 3 Contest.
"Nothing could make me more excited to be out here for the Masters and for this September," Azinger said.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Fisher House Among Recipients of 2008 Masters Charitable Gifts
Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today a new program that enables Augusta National employees to designate $1,000 each in Club charitable contributions to a local organization that they select.
"Our employees are an integral part of this organization and they are committed to this community," Payne said. "This new initiative recognizes their hard work and dedication and I'm certain the money will be donated wisely."
In addition, Payne announced that the Masters would continue its practice of making other significant contributions to worthwhile causes. This year approximately $3.4 million will be distributed. Over the last 11 years the Masters has made contributions in excess of $35.8 million.
The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive a gift of $1.25 million. The sum includes the ANGC employee-designated funds and $250,000 to help construct a new Fisher House at Augusta's uptown VA Medical Center. Fisher House provides temporary lodging to members of the Armed Services, veterans and their families during a medical crisis. Since 1997, The Community Foundation, an Augusta-based foundation that evaluates then selects worthwhile Augusta area charities, has received nearly $14 million from the Masters.
"Once again The Community Foundation and the Augusta region are enthusiastically appreciative of another altruistic gift from Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament," said Lee Smith, President and CEO of The Community Foundation. "A vast number of men, women and children in the six counties contiguous to Augusta have benefited, and continue to benefit, from the goodness and the generosity of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament.
"The Foundation is also delighted to have recently established the Augusta National Employee Giving Fund where Augusta National employees will have the opportunity to give to her or his favorite charity within the same six county region. Including employees in their philanthropy makes yet another strong statement about Augusta National."
The First Tee youth development program, which teaches character education through the game of golf to young people of all backgrounds, will receive $1 million for its program. Since 1998, the Masters has given over $11 million to the organization.
Others receiving significant contributions are the major golf organizations and The First Tee of Augusta.
"Our employee contributions and our gifts, both in and outside of Augusta, will be used to positively affect the lives of many people in need," Payne said. "We hope to grow the game globally and this is an example of the wonderful things golf can do."
"Our employees are an integral part of this organization and they are committed to this community," Payne said. "This new initiative recognizes their hard work and dedication and I'm certain the money will be donated wisely."
In addition, Payne announced that the Masters would continue its practice of making other significant contributions to worthwhile causes. This year approximately $3.4 million will be distributed. Over the last 11 years the Masters has made contributions in excess of $35.8 million.
The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive a gift of $1.25 million. The sum includes the ANGC employee-designated funds and $250,000 to help construct a new Fisher House at Augusta's uptown VA Medical Center. Fisher House provides temporary lodging to members of the Armed Services, veterans and their families during a medical crisis. Since 1997, The Community Foundation, an Augusta-based foundation that evaluates then selects worthwhile Augusta area charities, has received nearly $14 million from the Masters.
"Once again The Community Foundation and the Augusta region are enthusiastically appreciative of another altruistic gift from Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament," said Lee Smith, President and CEO of The Community Foundation. "A vast number of men, women and children in the six counties contiguous to Augusta have benefited, and continue to benefit, from the goodness and the generosity of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament.
"The Foundation is also delighted to have recently established the Augusta National Employee Giving Fund where Augusta National employees will have the opportunity to give to her or his favorite charity within the same six county region. Including employees in their philanthropy makes yet another strong statement about Augusta National."
The First Tee youth development program, which teaches character education through the game of golf to young people of all backgrounds, will receive $1 million for its program. Since 1998, the Masters has given over $11 million to the organization.
Others receiving significant contributions are the major golf organizations and The First Tee of Augusta.
"Our employee contributions and our gifts, both in and outside of Augusta, will be used to positively affect the lives of many people in need," Payne said. "We hope to grow the game globally and this is an example of the wonderful things golf can do."
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday's Masters Notes
Amateur moment
U.S. Amateur runner-up Michael Thompson called a penalty on himself when his ball moved on the 15th green Friday.
Playing with two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, Thompson called over an official after he had addressed the putt and the ball moved slightly. He missed his par putt, finishing with a bogey six, shot 78 for 151 and missed the 36-hole cut.
"It was an unfortunate thing, but I'm sure it's happened many times before," Thompson said. "I did ground my club, but there's nothing about that. It clearly moved and I had to call it.
"It's part of any game, you have to follow the rules. You just have to do it."
Marksaeng Withdraws
Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng first Masters appearance was a brief one. He was forced to withdraw after nine holes due to back trouble.
Relaxing with friends after his shortened round, Marksaeng was smiling and said he was fine, but his back would not allow him to play any further this week,
He recorded a six-over-par 42 on the front nine after an 82 on Thursday.
Similar Snedeker
Two-time Masters Champion Tom Watson had two days to play with Brandt Snedeker, and while he came away impressed with his talent and his spot among the 36- hole leaders, he was also impressed with seeing a young version of himself.
"We play quickly out there, make quick decisions, and just hit the ball," said Watson. "That's not the only way to play, but that's certainly the way I like to play and Brandt is the same way. It's very similar and very fun to watch. He certainly has a chance to win."
As for his own game, Watson said he was looking forward to returning in 2009, but knows the limitations of age.
"I forgot to move my mark today and that cost me two shots and after hitting the wrong ball last year, that says I'm getting a little long in the tooth," Watson said.
White Knight
Gary Player completed the second round of his 51st Masters dressed in white from head to toe. Player, 72, became known as the Black Knight for his dark attire, but went in an opposite direction Friday.
He was dressed in a white hat, white turtleneck, white pants and shoes. Player was greeted with a sustained standing ovation when he came up the 18th hole.
"It was great to be out here today," Player said. "I'm so pleased to be out here, fit and strong, and I'm also so pleased that Trevor (Immelman) and the South African guys are doing well. They are very special to me."
Player said he would have considered not returning as an active player in 2009 if he had not broken 80 on Friday, but shot a 78 and will return next year.
U.S. Amateur runner-up Michael Thompson called a penalty on himself when his ball moved on the 15th green Friday.
Playing with two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, Thompson called over an official after he had addressed the putt and the ball moved slightly. He missed his par putt, finishing with a bogey six, shot 78 for 151 and missed the 36-hole cut.
"It was an unfortunate thing, but I'm sure it's happened many times before," Thompson said. "I did ground my club, but there's nothing about that. It clearly moved and I had to call it.
"It's part of any game, you have to follow the rules. You just have to do it."
Marksaeng Withdraws
Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng first Masters appearance was a brief one. He was forced to withdraw after nine holes due to back trouble.
Relaxing with friends after his shortened round, Marksaeng was smiling and said he was fine, but his back would not allow him to play any further this week,
He recorded a six-over-par 42 on the front nine after an 82 on Thursday.
Similar Snedeker
Two-time Masters Champion Tom Watson had two days to play with Brandt Snedeker, and while he came away impressed with his talent and his spot among the 36- hole leaders, he was also impressed with seeing a young version of himself.
"We play quickly out there, make quick decisions, and just hit the ball," said Watson. "That's not the only way to play, but that's certainly the way I like to play and Brandt is the same way. It's very similar and very fun to watch. He certainly has a chance to win."
As for his own game, Watson said he was looking forward to returning in 2009, but knows the limitations of age.
"I forgot to move my mark today and that cost me two shots and after hitting the wrong ball last year, that says I'm getting a little long in the tooth," Watson said.
White Knight
Gary Player completed the second round of his 51st Masters dressed in white from head to toe. Player, 72, became known as the Black Knight for his dark attire, but went in an opposite direction Friday.
He was dressed in a white hat, white turtleneck, white pants and shoes. Player was greeted with a sustained standing ovation when he came up the 18th hole.
"It was great to be out here today," Player said. "I'm so pleased to be out here, fit and strong, and I'm also so pleased that Trevor (Immelman) and the South African guys are doing well. They are very special to me."
Player said he would have considered not returning as an active player in 2009 if he had not broken 80 on Friday, but shot a 78 and will return next year.
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