Virtually every golfer in the world has dreams of visiting Augusta National. The club is hallowed ground in the golf world, and anyone who steps on property counts themselves among an elite club.
But while visiting Augusta National is the pinnacle of the golf fan experience, competing on the hallowed grounds represents a similar high point for any elite golfer. Most have to wait until they are among the best of the best to get an invite to compete in the Masters as a professional, but for a lucky handful of juniors each year, the Drive, Chip & Putt competition allows for a sneak peek at Augusta.
‘The best day of my life’: How a father and son found Masters magic at Augusta National
Elite amateur Michael Thorbjornsen counts himself among the lucky few who got that experience as a junior golfer. In 2016, he qualified for the national Drive, Chip & Putt competition hosted at Augusta, eventually winning his age division.
And on this week’s episode of GOLF’s Subpar, Thorbjornsen shared his experience competing on the grandest stage at such a young age.
“It was unreal,” he said. “Being a 14-year-old, going to the place you see on TV every year. The Masters is probably my favorite tournament to watch each and every year. And just being able to be there with the players, hitting balls on the same range that they do at such a young age was really cool.”
For a kid of Thorbjornsen’s age, just stepping foot on Augusta’s grounds was special. But the ability to compete on the club’s perfectly manicured turf made the experience all the more special.
“Everything is pure there,” he said. “Not a single blade of grass is out of place. And everything is the same color, too. A lot of places have a lot to learn from Augusta.”
Check out the entire episode of Subpar below.