Augusta National's Sunday before the Masters unlike any other in golf

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Mark O’Meara is reminded every year how meaningful it was to win the Masters. O’Meara was on the practice green Sunday at Augusta National, 25 years removed from his birdie-birdie finish to win his first major. Now he is 66 and plays the PGA Tour Champions only occasionally. But he remains part of Masters week. And he has company, young and old. Also on the putting green was Bernhard Langer. They were with a half-dozen kids barely into their teens, preparing for the Drive, Chip and Putt Finals. Highlights: Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals There was little to suggest the first major of the year had arrived. “It never gets old,” O’Meara said. “I feel blessed. I feel privileged. I don’t play the tournament anymore, but I still come and enjoy what the Masters Tournament is all about.” Ultimately, it’s about a green jacket that gets presented in seven days. What makes this Sunday so unusual is the stage for the Masters is just a private club. Augusta National started the Drive, Chip and Putt in 2014. Five years later, it added the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Rose Zhang won the fourth edition Saturday in a playoff. She
Read More