PGA Results: 2013 Masters - 14 Year Old Shoots 73

[caption id="attachment_3054" align="alignright" width="300"] Hole 16 at Augusta National. Photo courtesy of HookedOnGolfBlog.com[/caption] We are watching a little bit of golf history this week at the Masters.  Tianlang Guan is the reigning Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner.  Guan won the championship in November, which put him in the automatic invitation list for the Masters.  The Chinese golfer became the youngest player to ever qualify for the Masters. Expectations to play well at Augusta were low.  At only 14, it wasn't expected that he would have the firepower to play a golf course which favors long hitters.  On many par-4's like the 10th, Guan had to hit hybrid approach shots where his playing partners were hitting irons.  But his putting stroke and solid, nerve-less play, produced a fine round of 73.  That great first round not only brought him the respect and attention of fans and media, it stoked up the discussion regarding whether a 14 year old 8th grader from China can make the cut at the Masters.

"I was a little bit nervous on the first tee, but I hit a great tee shot and after that everything felt comfortable." ~Tianlang Guan

One of Guan's playing partners for the first two days is two time Masters champion, 61 year old Ben Crenshaw.

"(Guan) played like a veteran today, a 28-year-old journeyman whose been around the block and made a ton of cuts. He played a beautiful round of golf. He stays well within himself. He's very confident and his thought process never got rushed. Very patient. Very impressive." ~Ben Crenshaw

Friday's round will be fun to watch. Check yesterday's post for the Masters broadcast schedule.  Hoping to see more history today and watch the first time a 14 year old makes the cut at Augusta!