The wait was longer than anyone expected, yet James Sugroe, who slowed his car down to 8km / h to enjoy every moment of Magnolia Lane, did not complain about the delay: his enthusiasm for finally reaching Augusta was reflected in the number of his caddy’s bib – ranking 8th in the amateur world rankings.

The Sugro Masters won the British Amateur Championship in Port Marnock in June 2019, winning the British Open at the Royal Portrait and more recently the US Open Winged Foot.

So, almost 17 months after his amateur success, he was able to prove his last work as an amateur, having won a tea time with two – time champion Jose Maria Olasabal and American tour player Andrew Putnam. “I knew I was going to play with a former champion and it was nice to get someone [Olazabal], If I paired it with Bryson or Rory it might be scary and it would be another ball game. I’m happy, “said Sugro.

Ridicule

He visited Sugroe Stateside with coach Michael Collins, but instead of the usual caddy and friend Connor Dowling, he opted for the services of local caddy Jack Fulkhum.

While admitting that he can make a “crake” joke, Sugroo knows that Fulkhum’s knowledge will prove to be a useful asset: . . The greens have grain but I can’t see the grain. That’s weird. “

As one of the six amateurs in the scene – along with Americans Andy Ogletrey, John Ogenstein, Australian Lucas Michael, China’s Yuxin Lynn, and Argentina’s Abel Gallegos – Sugro had the opportunity to spend a night in the crow’s nest doing a video where he had a problem.

What’s more, he was asked to give a speech from the players at an amateur dinner at the Club House, hosted by John Carr, a former Irish amateur international who is a member of the Augusta National.

World stage

Another thing about Memory Bank is that after trying to play practically tenth hole the other day, none other than Tiger Woods – Fred Couples and Justin Thomas – got into the tea box. “I was alone in the tea box, and the next time they shook. They dropped my ball and kept watching me. It was very nervous, but thankfully I hit a good one there. I pulled out 3 trees, covered my face and hit a large angle, ”Sugro told the Irish golfer podcast.

As he confirms he is part of the world stage this week, last year’s US Open champion Gary Woodland joined Sugroo in the training round. “Absolute agent,” Sugroe said, adding that the best advice he has ever received is through former European Rider Cup captain Paul McGinley to enjoy the whole experience.