AUGUSTA, Ga. — At the last hole, Guan Tianlang retrieved his ball from the cup after ending his first Masters with his 48th par. The fans ringing the 18th green gave him a standing ovation. They no doubt were thinking that they had not seen the last of Guan, a 14-year-old from China who finished as the low amateur.
He carded rounds of 73-75-77-75 at Augusta National Golf Club for a total of 12-over 300. In four days on what he described as “the most difficult course in the world,” Guan did not have a double bogey.
“It’s not easy to play here, to make the cut and be low amateur,” Guan said. “I think I did a pretty good job this week and can’t believe it’s over.”
Guan, who finished 58th, assessed his play: “I think the first couple rounds I played pretty good. I feel a little bit tired today. So, yeah, there’s still a lot of things to improve. My short game’s good but still needs to be better. My driver probably needs to be longer. Yes, I mean, everything needs to improve.”
Guan’s playing partner Sunday was Sandy Lyle, the 1988 champion and his senior by 41 years. Lyle seemed to relish the chance to play with Guan. “It was very interesting to see,” Lyle said. “He hits the ball quite a reasonable distance at the moment and remember, he’s only 14. Short game is very good.”
Asked what he would like to accomplish in the coming years, Guan said: “I have my own idea and my own opinions. I want to play where I can get more opportunities, and it’s totally up to me.”
How long before he wins a Masters?
“As soon as possible,” he said, smiling.
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