Gordon Sargent’s first experience in the Masters Tournament came to an end on Friday. Chances are good, though, that the 19-year-old Mountain Brook native will be back.
On Thursday, after finishing four over par in the first round, he was asked about the experience.
“It's pretty special,” Sargent said. “Kind of like, you hit a bad shot, you just kind of think you're at the Masters playing at Augusta National, and you can't be mad. Like, I obviously wanted to play better, but it's like this opportunity, this experience so far has been amazing. Look forward to trying to play a good round tomorrow and hopefully make the weekend.”
Unfortunately for Sargent, he was unable to make a move on Friday. He shot a five-over par 77 to move to nine-over after two days and failed to make the cut. His day started with a double bogey, birdie and back-to-back bogeys.
For Sargent, it was an earlier-than-hoped-for exit but still an incredible experience. The 2022 NCAA Individual champion will return to Vanderbilt University and continue his quest to win another college championship.
Sargent was asked if he had plans to turn pro early.
“Not really, not at the moment,” Sargent said. “Playing with the pros, you can understand what you need to work on. College is the perfect time for that. Still planning on staying four years and getting my game to where it needs to be.”
Sargent was one of seven amateur players who entered the 87th Masters Tournament. Sam Bennett is the lone amateur to make it to the weekend and he is on one of the biggest stories of the field in the first two rounds. Bennett finished the first two rounds at eight-under par, which put him in second place at the time. An amateur player has never won the Masters Tournament. Three amateurs have finished second with the most recent being Charlie Coe in 1961.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819News.com.
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