Rory McIlroy is grouped with beginner Mason Howell for the opening two rounds of The Masters, and the Northern Irishman was fast to supply some assist.
Newbie Mason Howell and Rory McIlroy stroll off the No. 1 tee (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Rory McIlroy appeared to supply some sage recommendation to Mason Howell after the beginner acquired off to a rocky begin on his Masters debut. Thursday marked the beginning of the primary spherical of The Masters. Making his return to Augusta for the primary time since his emotional victory 12 months in the past, McIlroy teed off on Thursday morning as he bids to retain his title.
McIlroy has been grouped with Cameron Younger and beginner Howell for the opening two rounds of The Masters. It represents an incredible alternative for Howell, who has beforehand described the Northern Irishman as his sporting idol, and he carried a particular ball with a profound private significance. For Howell, competing alongside the defending champion is a rare privilege.
He earned his place at The Masters by claiming the US Newbie Championship, following within the illustrious footsteps of legends akin to Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Arnold Palmer.
His victory additionally secured Howell exemptions into the US Open, the Open Championship, and The Masters. Historically, his journey to Augusta sees him paired with fellow champion McIlroy. However he acquired off on the mistaken foot as his nerves had been plain to see from the very first tee.
After McIlroy struck a commanding opening tee shot, Howell stepped up to speed. The beginner dragged his opening drive to the left. McIlroy, nevertheless, made each effort to make sure the younger American’s spirits remained excessive. The five-time main champion was noticed in dialog with Howell following his difficult opening, seemingly doing his finest to settle his nerves.
The 2 share one thing of a historical past. McIlroy introduced Howell with a golf ball on the 2016 Tour Championship, a gesture that has since served as an enduring supply of motivation for the teen. Whereas remaining targeted on his personal efficiency to make the lower at Augusta Nationwide, Howell admitted he was relishing the prospect of teeing it up alongside McIlroy.
Mason Howell made his Masters debut on Thursday (Picture: Sky Sports activities)
“I will be tremendous excited, however on the identical time I will be tremendous nervous,” Howell advised reporters on Monday. “I feel simply controlling my feelings and sticking to my sport plan, and simply having enjoyable.
The day’s greatest headlines in UK and World information and extra Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“Rory was one among my idols rising up, so it will be an excellent particular second for me. I am unable to oggle at his sport an excessive amount of. I acquired to concentrate on myself. It’s going to be enjoyable.”
Howell clearly took McIlroy’s phrases on board, bouncing again from his wayward tee shot to par the opening gap – which proved far much less forgiving for Aldrich Potgieter. The teen added a par on the par-five second gap to stay at stage par. After 11 holes, although, he was 4 over par.
Leave a Reply