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Masters notebook
Mid-Amateur champ gets into record book
Posted: Monday April 07, 2003 9:50 PM
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Miguel Angel Jimenez smokes a cigar in front of the Clubhouse. Jimenez's long, curly hair has been attracting good-natured ribbing from other golfers at Augusta. Andrew Davis Tucker/AugustaChronicle |
George Zahringer stood outside the Clubhouse at Augusta National Golf Club when a familiar figure extended a hand and said, "Hello, George."
Former Masters Tournament champion Ray Floyd exchanged pleasantries with Zahringer on Monday morning. Floyd then invited Zahringer to play a practice round with him and Fred Couples today.
Ah, the life of a U.S. Mid-Amateur champion.
Zahringer, who defeated Jerry Courville to earn his first visit to Augusta, played nine holes with Masters champions Ben Crenshaw and Nick Faldo on Sunday.
"I'm just proud to be here," said the 49-year-old Zahringer, a stockbroker in New York.
Like the past champions he's playing with at Augusta National, Zahringer will soon be in the Masters record book - as the oldest first-time participant, professional or amateur - when he tees off Thursday.
"It's not often you get into the record books at Augusta without playing any golf," Zahringer said.
BAD HAIR DAY: Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez is known for two things - his nickname, "The Mechanic," and his penchant for deliberate play. Add to that list a new hairstyle that would make Carrot Top blush.
Jimenez hasn't cut his hair in nearly a year, and the result is a tightly curled orange shock that inspires constant snickers and jokes from his golfing brethren.
"They try to make some jokes when they see it," he said. "'Do you have a bird in there, or what?' Like a bird's nest, you know."
Jimenez says the style isn't new. He's sported it before and decided shortly after last year's Masters to let it grow back out.
"If you see pictures from a long time ago, I would have long hair," Jimenez said. "Like you see now. Naturally curly. I don't do anything to it."
Charles Howell, who is often teased for his sleek fashion, sees nothing to criticize.
"I love it," Howell said. "Not for me, though. It looks good on him."
ANYWHERE BUT HERE: With Augusta National's driving range closed, Peter Lonard took it upon himself to find an area to practice.
His manager said the Australian left the grounds and went down Wrightsboro Road looking for a range. Wedges and Woods is on that road and has the only covered practice shelter in the area.
Slick McNeil, one of the owners of the driving range, said she did not know whether Lonard had visited.
"We did have someone here with an Australian accent," she said.
ENDORSEMENT: Howell, an Augusta native, got a ringing endorsement from 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize. After Howell tied for 29th last year, Mize said, he expects the long hitter to be in contention this weekend.
"Charles is a good young player," Mize said. "Last year, he made some mistakes. He'll learn from those mistakes. I know that Charles will. I think he'll be a threat this week."
Staff Writer Scott Michaux contributed to this article.
Copyright 2003 The Augusta Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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