Any professional player knows that receiving their first invitation to Augusta National Golf Club is a momentous occasion. The feeling of excitement and honor that comes with it is something that stays with them forever. But what do players actually do with their first Masters invitations? Let’s take a closer look at the responses from past champions and competitors in this year’s field, as we explore their sentiments and actions toward these coveted invitations.
The Sentimental Souls: Framing their First Invites
Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris, two players with a deep appreciation for the sentimental value of their first Masters invitations, made sure to have theirs framed. For them, these tangible reminders of their accomplishments serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout their careers. Justin proudly displays his framed invitation in his office, while Will cherishes both of his invitations at his home office.
A Matter of Memorabilia
Not everyone is inclined to hold onto memorabilia, though. Stewart Cink, Billy Horschel, and Brian Harman are among the players who don’t place much importance on keeping their first Masters invitations. For Stewart, Billy, and Brian, the memory of receiving the invitation is enough, and they have no qualms about not keeping physical mementos.
In the Drawer: Forgotten and Unopened
Interestingly, some players don’t even bother to open their invitations. Keegan Bradley admits that he keeps them all in a drawer, often forgetting about their existence. It seems that for Keegan, the thrill lies in the knowledge that he has earned his place in the tournament, rather than in the physical invitation itself.
Acts of Generosity
While most players have their own ways of treasuring their first Masters invitations, Harris English took a different approach. He has kept all of his invitations, with the intention of eventually framing them all or finding another special way to commemorate his achievements. This thoughtful gesture reflects Harris’s appreciation for the tournament and his desire to honor the significance of each invitation received.
A Special Place at Home
For some players, their first Masters invitation finds a place of honor in their family’s home. Kevin Kisner’s framed invitation proudly resides in his mom’s house, while Gary Woodland believes his first invitation may still be somewhere in his mom’s home, although he’s unsure of its exact location. It’s in these family spaces that the invitation becomes a symbol of pride and a reminder of the support and love that players receive from their loved ones.
Lost and Away
Not all players keep track of their first invitations. Padraig Harrington confesses that he never saw his invitation and believes it was likely handled by his manager. Rickie Fowler shares a similar sentiment, admitting that he doesn’t know where his invitation is currently located. For Padraig and Rickie, the invitation itself holds little personal significance, and it’s the experiences and memories on Augusta’s hallowed grounds that truly matter to them.
Trophy Room Pride
The achievement of competing in the Masters holds immense value for Tony Finau, who proudly showcases the check from his first Masters and the four scorecards in his trophy room. For Tony, these physical reminders of his accomplishment serve as constant motivation and a source of pride.
Simple Moments of Remembrance
Some players take a more minimalistic approach to preserving their first invites. Viktor Hovland, for instance, simply took a picture of his invitation as a way to capture the memory. It’s a small yet meaningful act that allows him to reflect on the significance of his achievement whenever he looks at the photo.
The Value of Connection
While many players focus on physical representations of their first Masters invitations, Matt Fitzpatrick recognizes the sentimental value of keeping them together. He plans to get his invitations framed, acknowledging their importance as a symbol of his journey and the memories associated with each visit to Augusta National.
A Special Album
Finally, Matt Kuchar’s mom took a different approach to preserving his first invitation. She created an album dedicated to Matt’s golf career, where his first Masters invitation proudly resides. This act of love and support further emphasizes the significance of the invitation in Matt’s personal and familial history.
Conclusion
Professional players have various ways of cherishing their first Masters invitations. Some, like Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris, choose to frame their invitations and display them as a testament to their hard work and dedication. Others, like Stewart Cink, Billy Horschel, and Brian Harman, do not place much importance on keeping physical mementos. Some, like Keegan Bradley, simply keep their invitations in a drawer and forget about them. On the other hand, players like Harris English may choose to donate their first invitation as an act of generosity.
Some players keep their first invitation in a special place at home, like Kevin Kisner’s mom’s house or Gary Woodland’s parents’ home. However, not all players remember where they kept their first invitations. For some, like Padraig Harrington and Rickie Fowler, the invitation itself holds little significance. Tony Finau proudly displays items from his first Masters, while Viktor Hovland chooses to preserve the memory with a picture. Matt Fitzpatrick plans to frame his invitations, while Matt Kuchar’s mom created an album dedicated to his golf career that includes his first invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do professional players typically cherish their first Masters invitations?
The responses vary among players. While some frame and display their invitations, others prefer not to keep physical mementos.
What do sentimental players do with their first invites?
Sentimental players like Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris choose to frame their invitations, keeping them as cherished reminders of their achievements.
Are there players who don’t attach much importance to their first Masters invitations?
Yes, some players, such as Stewart Cink, Billy Horschel, and Brian Harman, don’t consider preserving their first invitations as significant. They find their memories of receiving the invitation to be enough.
Do players sometimes forget about their first Masters invitations?
Yes, there are players who keep their invitations stored away and sometimes forget about them, like Keegan Bradley.
How do players who don’t keep their first invites value their participation in the Masters?
For players like Stewart, Billy, and Brian, the memories and experiences gained from competing in the Masters hold more importance than physical mementos.
Are there players who donate their first invitation?
Yes, some players, like Harris English, choose to donate their first invitation as an act of generosity and to share their joy with others.
Where do some players keep their first Masters invitations?
Players like Kevin Kisner and Gary Woodland keep their first invitations in either their mom’s house or their parents’ home, creating a familial connection to the cherished memento.
Do all players remember where they kept their first invitations?
Not necessarily. Players like Gary Woodland admit to being unsure of the exact location of their first invitations.
Do all players treasure their first invites in a physical form?
No, some players, such as Padraig Harrington and Rickie Fowler, don’t place much importance on the physical invitation itself.
How do some players celebrate their first Masters participation?
Players like Tony Finau choose to prominently display items such as the check from their first Masters and the scorecards in their trophy room, celebrating their achievements.
How do players like Viktor Hovland preserve their first invites?
Some players, like Viktor, opt for simpler methods and take a picture of their first invitation, allowing them to reflect on the significance of their accomplishment.
How do players like Matt Fitzpatrick keep their first Masters invites?
Matt plans to get his invitations framed, recognizing their importance as symbols of his journey and the memories associated with each Masters tournament.
Are there players who involve their families in preserving their first invites?
Yes, players like Matt Kuchar’s mom create special albums that contain their first Masters invitations, further emphasizing their personal and familial value.
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