Rory McIlroy will continue Masters tradition in – Sports News
The tee instances for the Masters have but to be introduced, however Rory McIlroy already is aware of one of his taking part in companions for the opening two rounds at Augusta National.
The reigning champion begins his title protection on Thursday, teeing it up alongside star novice Mason Howell and one extra participant from the 91-man discipline. The 18 yr previous holds the U.S. Amateur title, an honor that not solely carries an invitation to 3 majors but additionally a tee time alongside the defending Masters champion.
Howell has but to play collegiate golf, however he will be buoyed by enthusiastic help in Augusta after committing to Georgia. He is set to start the subsequent chapter of his promising profession in Athens this fall. Last yr, the privilege of taking part in alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler fell to LIV Golf’s Josele Balleste, who triggered outrage by urinating in Rae’s Creek.
Howell will be eager to keep away from a related headline-grabbing second when he steps onto the course with McIlroy on Thursday. Competing in the Masters is already an nearly unimaginable quantity of stress, however Howell should keep his composure whereas taking part in alongside one of his “idols.
“I’ll be tremendous excited, however on the identical time I’ll be tremendous nervous,” he told reporters on Monday. “I believe simply controlling my feelings and sticking to my sport plan, and simply having enjoyable.
“Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it’ll be a super special moment for me. I can’t oggle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself. It’ll be fun.”
Howell has turned to mentor Harris English to help him put together for the take a look at forward. Sea Island native English is a Georgia graduate who developed his abilities on the identical membership as his mentee. The pair performed a apply spherical collectively on Monday.
“I’ve known Mason for a long time now,” English mentioned. “I was really excited about his win at the U.S. Amateur. Been pulling on him for a long time and it’s awesome to rub off on him I guess a little bit out here.
“I believe that is my seventh Masters, so simply little stuff that I can help him with. I do know his mind is spinning proper now. I can not think about what he is going by means of at 18 years previous and taking part in in the Masters for the primary time.
“So just to have fun. Have a cool experience out here. He’s getting to play with Rory for the first couple of rounds. Talked about that some. Just told him, ‘Take it all in, but manage your time well. Don’t get lost in everything. This is just another golf tournament.'”
English added: “We grew up at the same club, Glen Arven. I remember him as a little kid, eight or nine years old, probably. Had a good crew down there. Got a lot of good young junior golfers down there that are very competitive.
“Another one which’s taking part in at Georgia this yr in Mason. It’s superior to see. We had some good gamers round my period, and it is good to see the subsequent wave come by means of. I do not know what’s in the water down there, however they’re performing some good issues at Glen Arven.”
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