AJGA
and Masters Ties Run Deep
Masters champion Phil Mickelson and low-amateur Casey
Wittenberg impress at 68th Masters
Both AJGA alums, Phil Mickelson is congratulated by last year's Masters champion Mike Weir. (AP) |
The
most recent edition of the Masters Tournament held in Augusta,
Ga., just a few hours southeast of the AJGA’s National
Headquarters in Braselton, Ga., featured several AJGA alumni
with their games in high gear.
Phil Mickelson produced one of the most memorable back-nine
performances in Masters history to win his first major championship
and 23rd PGA TOUR victory. With that performance, what some
are calling the best Masters finish ever, the AJGA National
Chairman added another chapter to a memory book decades in
the making.
He was named the Rolex Junior Player of the Year three years-in-a-row
from 1986-1988, and also won the Rolex Tournament of Champions
in each of those years—two AJGA records that still stand
today. Mickelson also holds the AJGA record for most AJGA
career wins at 12, with Bob May, Tiger Woods and Charles Howell
III tied for second with eight career wins.
In addition to his world-class career on the golf course,
Mickelson is also known for his contributions outside the
ropes. Not only is he the AJGA National Chairman, but he supports
the Thunderbird International Junior, played out of his home
course at Grayhawk Golf Club, through the Phil and Amy Mickelson
Foundation. His vision for an international competition featuring
champions from around the world has led to the creation of
one of the most competitive events on the AJGA schedule, now
in its fourth year.
Casey Wittenberg |
This year’s low amateur at the Masters was former Rolex
Junior Player of the Year Casey Wittenberg. With an even-par
288, the Oklahoma State freshman finished in a tie for 13th
and turned in the best score and finish at the Masters by
an amateur since 1962. Like Mickelson, Wittenberg shot a final-round,
back-nine 31.
Wittenberg and Mickelson have another tie, as Wittenberg won
the Thunderbird International Junior in 2002. And, like Mickelson,
Wittenberg’s impressive play earned him a return trip
to Augusta.
The next-best finish by an amateur was by AJGA alum Brandt
Snedeker, who finished tied for 41st. Snedeker, who turned
pro April 12, played with the AJGA in the late ’90s.