AUGUSTA, GA. - Ernie Els, a three-time major champion, is not at Augusta National this week because he did not qualify. Neither is Retief Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion, or Davis Love III, a PGA Championship winner.
But Randal Lewis, a 54-year-old financial adviser from Alma, Mich., is because of his victory in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship last September. He will become what is believed to be the oldest first-time Masters participant when he tees off Thursday.
The Masters embraces amateurs because of its connection to Bobby Jones, perhaps the most famous amateur golfer in history. Currently, the winners of the British Amateur, Asian Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur and U.S. Public Links tournaments receive invitations, as well as the champion and runner-up in the U.S. Amateur.
Lewis' goals are modest. No Mid-Amateur champion has ever made the cut at the Masters, and Lewis acknowledged that at 7,435 yards, "this is a pretty big golf course for me."
Not discussing membership During his annual news conference, Augusta National chairman Billy Payne deflected questions about the club adding female members.
The question has lingered in the media the past few weeks about whether IBM's new CEO, Virginia Rometty, would receive an invitation for membership. Augusta National reportedly has extended invitations to previous CEOs at IBM, which is one of the club's sponsors.
Weather a factor Augusta National opened about a half-hour late for practice rounds Wednesday after a major storm Tuesday night dumped 1.4 inches of rain on the course.
According to the forecast, showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday, especially during the afternoon and evening, with more rain possible Friday morning.
Par 3 Contest Padraig Harrington and Jonathan Byrd each shot 5 under and tied for the title in Wednesday's annual Par 3 Contest, which was curtailed by thunderstorms.
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