AUGUSTA, Ga.-George Zahringer III walked up to the first tee at Augusta National determined to live out a lifelong dream of playing at The Masters. At a rain-soaked Augusta National, where the field played 36 holes on Friday for the first time in 64 years, Zahringer struggled and posted a 10-over-par 82 over his first 18. He hopes to rebound in the afternoon.

Invited to The Masters as a result of his winning the 2002 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, Zahringer comes to Augusta not only to enjoy the experience but also to prove that he belongs among golf’s elite. Other amateurs joining Zahringer at Augusta are Ricky Barnes (U.S. Amateur Champion), Hunter Mahan (U.S. Amateur runner-up), Ryan Moore (U.S. Public Links Champion) and Alejandro Larrazabal (British Amateur Champion).  Zahringer arrived in Augusta with a few goals in mind…to finish as the low amateur and to make the cut. “There’s a lot that has to happen for that to occur, but that’s what you want to do,” Zahringer said. Earning the Silver Cup as low amateur might seem more realistic as only one out of the past 16 amateurs to play was able to make it to the weekend.

The invitation to The Masters results in the culmination of a long journey for the 49-year old Rye, NY native. It started in 1982 with a win at the Met Amateur (which he has won five times) and continued with a win at the 1985 Met Open. He also has multiple wins at The “Ike” (1989, ’93, 2001) and been named MGA Player of the Year nine times.

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For more information, contact Ryan McKenna at rmckenna@mgagolf.org or by phone at 914-347-4653.