Smiles, smiles and more smiles. That is the memory Matt Kuchar gave the 1998 Masters.
With visions of another Georgia Tech amateur charming Augusta National's galleries, Kuchar actually led for six holes before finishing in a tie for 21st, the highest nonprofessional finish since Sam Randolph tied for 18th in 1985.
He parlayed his Masters boost into a top-15 finish at the U.S. Open.
The golfing world was his. The 20-year-old Candescent Kid had lucrative offers that made him reconsider his collegiate status, and while his thoughts flickered between remaining in college and cashing in on his sudden fame, his game suffered.
``I just had no focus,'' the 1997 U.S. Amateur champion said. ``I'm working real hard to have everything mean the same, to really focus on everything to make sure every round counts, whether it's a college event, a major or if I'm fooling around at home.''
Soon after Kuchar announced that he would complete his management degree at Tech, he strained his back in an intramural basketball game. The smile turned to anguish whenever he swung a club. Playing just twice this fall season, college golf's player of the year could only break par twice. Despite an enviable 1998, Kuchar dropped from college golf's radar, falling to No. 50 in the MasterCard individual rankings.
``It was a real struggle,'' he said. ``I'm such a competitor, and knowing that you're not playing well is very disappointing. You can only use the turning-pro excuse for so long. But I made up my mind, and now that I'm truly happy with my decision, my life seems to be a lot easier and I'm focused again.
``I know in my head that I'm one of the better players in college, and I've just got to get back into the swing of things.''
It looks like the focus, the swing, the back are all healthy again. Kuchar credits his turnaround to Tech coach Bruce Heppler, who made his players qualify for a trip to Hawaii to play the spring season's first event.
``That was really the first time I had to focus on qualifying,'' said Kuchar, who went on to win the Waikoloa Intercollegiate.
``It jolted my memory where I need to focus like this every day, every week when I go out and play,'' Kuchar said. ``It was good that Coach put up all the spots up. He didn't reserve a spot for me or for Bryce (Molder), so everything was on the line.''
The question of turning pro resurfaced, but Kuchar sidestepped it rather adroitly, especially since this is a Walker Cup year. He turned down sponsor's exemptions to play at Pebble Beach and the Honda before accepting an invitation to play at Bay Hill.
``Arnie invited me,'' Kuchar said. ``How can I turn that down?''
Kuchar proceeded to make the Bay Hill cut -- his third in a pro event -- and that had him beaming. Playing a practice round at the National in February, Kuchar shot a 69 with a double bogey at 2.
``Matt just loves that place,'' his dad and caddie, Peter Kuchar, said. ``Matt's the type of kid that has always been able to perform his best when he's really needed to. He's been talking about his Augusta return for a while now.''
So, yes, the smile has returned.
Chip shots: Matt Kuchar
Kuchar's father and caddie, Peter, was ranked No. 1 in 35-and-over doubles in Florida.
Kuchar has winning smile back 
