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Aaron's ambition Young Aussie Baddeley seeks overseas success
Now that Colin Montgomerie has finally succeeded beyond his comfort zone, Aaron Baddeley needs to do the same. Montgomerie's victory in the Ericsson Masters in Melbourne was his first in a full-field event outside the European Tour, as he overcame the challenge of promising local players like Brett Rumford, Adam Scott and Baddeley (who finished equal 12th). Baddeley has won three big Australian tournaments -- including back-to-back Australian Opens -- but has generally struggled once he's set foot outside his homeland in non-junior events. Still just 19, Baddeley is almost 18 years younger than Montgomerie, but like the moody Scot he will be judged most on his achievements beyond familiar territory. Last April, Baddeley arrived at the Masters in Augusta, full of optimism after winning the Australian Open as an amateur. But missing the halfway cut at the first major of the year set a trend for a disastrous few months on the PGA Tour as his immense potential was overshadowed by his rawness and inexperience. Undaunted, Baddeley turned professional last November and has already made an impact, successfully defending his Australian Open title in November before winning his first European Tour event in February: the Greg Norman Holden International. Baddeley capitalized on the home support in this out-of-region European tournament at the Lakes course in Sydney by beating the unlucky Spaniard Sergio Garcia in a sudden-death playoff. But until Baddeley wins beyond the sun-baked shores of the Great Southern Land, the golfing world at large will remain skeptical about comparisons with the likes of Garcia and, dare we say it, Tiger Woods. After meeting the likeable youngster and his family at the Masters last year, I have unashamedly become one of his biggest fans. Even with his disappointments of last year, Baddeley never holds back, playing in an aggressive and entertaining manner. Greg Norman said of the lanky teenager, "He's got that look in his eyes. He's got no fear." This was Tiger Woods' summary: "I was never that good at his age. He's 19 now and I could never even dream about being that good at 19." Despite the accolades, Baddeley is a talented yet mostly humble young man who's obviously been well-raised by his parents, Ron and Jo-Ann. Although he grew up in Melbourne, he was born in the United States (in New Hampshire) because his Australian father worked behind-the-scenes on the Indy Car racing circuit in the 1970s and 80s. Anyone who has heard his victory speeches knows that Baddeley is a born-again Christian. This hasn't sat well with some people, but I personally have no problem with it, as long as he respects the religious views of others. If anything, it's refreshing that a professional athlete can acknowledge the presence of a greater force. After all, golf is such a cruel game that players need all the help and guidance they can get. At his arrival at the 2000 Masters, Baddeley boldly predicted that he would be the one wearing the green jacket come Sunday evening. Despite the presence of several Australian TV crews who covered his every move, he lasted just two rounds. It will undoubtedly be a wiser and more cautious Baddeley who turns up at the Georgia course this year. He now knows that winning in the United States is far more difficult than achieving success at home. You need all your God-given talent, as well as nerves of steel and a generous dose of luck. Colin Montgomerie, still winless in an official American tournament, can vouch for that. Australian-born Jason Dasey is a co-anchor for World Sport, a 30-minute sports highlights and news program shown on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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