The day of reckoning is almost upon us. Tomorrow, for the first time in history - a man from West Waterford, specifically Touraneena will tee it off at a major tournament.
It is not just any tournament or tee box. Séamus Power will drive down Magnolia Lane at the hallowed Augusta - in the quest for golf’s golden ticket, the green jacket.
The ascension to this point in time has been simply Earth-shattering. 463rd in the world this time last year, playing on Web.com and Korn Ferry Tours in between official PGA tournaments, barely scraping the barrel before that breakthrough victory at the Barbasol.
Now, we’ve got four Irish at Augusta - history in itself, as world number 41 Séamus Power joins Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry & Padráig Harrington in a bid to induct oneself into the realm of golfing immortality.
Photos of unprecedented four-balls have dominated the back pages this week, and the softly spoken Séamus is simply in awe of Augusta. Whilst respectful and in a mood of sombre gratitude, make no mistake - there is an awareness of a task at hand, and the toast of Touraneena will not be there to simply make up the numbers.
“I came out yesterday, and I played - it was just incredible. It’s one of those places, I’ve been lucky enough to be here five or six times before - but I’ve never played it. It is just so far beyond expectations. The course is in fantastic condition - and I can’t wait to play.”
Going into the relative unknown, imbued by a cautious sense of optimism, Séamus is aware that the famed course could pose a somewhat unprecedented challenge to his game.
“There’s a lot of things going on. The weather is going to play a role. Hopefully, we miss some of that stuff. I honestly have never played here before, so it is going to be tough for me to predict much. I’m just glad to be a part of it. We’ll see what happens”.
Practice rounds with his fellow Irishmen and tour star Billy Horschel have helped Power and caddy Simon Keelan to pinpoint the ins and outs of their newfound surroundings, and the secret to success over the biggest four days of his career to date.
“I think the secret is going to be around the greens. That’s what I’ve seen so far. I’ve just played nine holes with Billy Horschel and Fooch. They’ve been around here plenty of times, and I’ve just been getting little bits of advice from them. It’s when you’re out of position, where to hit it, where do you have a chance of getting up and down. That’s what I’m trying to learn. Obviously, it’s going to be a challenge. There’s going to be pin positions that I’ve never seen before, and I’m sure that the conditions will change a lot as the week goes on. It’s going to be adjusting on the fly, talking it out with Simon and seeing the best we can do.”
In reflection, the 35-year-old, who first picked up a club 26 years ago in the foothills of Coolcormack Valley, knows it has been one hell of a journey to get here. The television doesn’t do it any justice, in terms of beauty and complexion. He’s ready, to make the course his own.
“You can see the course on TV for the most part, but television doesn’t do it justice, in terms of the slope and complexity of the greens. That’s kind of the thing I’m trying to learn, hitting some putts - like, oh that’s not too bad - You think it’s two feet, but look back and it’s eight or nine! It just breaks more than you might think. It’s those little things I’m trying to learn as I go. Hopefully, we find as many as we can.”
Séamus’ company for the first 36 holes will be none other than the 2018 Masters Champion, Patrick Reed, as well as last year’s Irish Open victor, Australia’s Lucas Herbert.
The trio get their first round underway at 5.24pm Irish time on Thursday, before hitting the tee box at 2.06pm on Friday.
The men from Texas, Bendigo and Touraneena in a quest for Masters glory. What a sight that will be to behold.
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