MU's Kelly Leaves Masters Feeling Privaleged

University of Missouri senior John Kelly stepped foot on the ever-prestigious, heavenly ground of Augusta National last weekend, instantly ingraining a moment he'll never forget. Kelly, 22, qualified for the "tradition unlike any other" after finishing second in the U.S. Amateur last month.

Despite missing the cut by only two strokes, Kelly had much to remember in his first golfing major. He finished as the low amateur for the tournament with his 77-77 on Thursday and Friday for a two round total of 154, beating the next closest amateur by two strokes. Kelly was consistent with his scoring, penciling an even par 36 on the front both days, while coming home with a 41.

"The back nine is a more risk/reward nine where you can make some good numbers or you can make some big numbers" Kelly said. "It was just a few bad swings on the back nine that got me. It wasn't that I was folding under the pressure by any means."

MU golf coach, Mark Leroux, agreed with Kelly's assessment, "He was swinging particularly well, probably the best I've ever seen," Leroux said. "Then I got a chance to look at some photos and videos of his swing and looking at it in slow motion, it looked just perfect."

The chance to play with the professionals was an encouraging step for Kelly, who hopes to turn professional sometime in the future. He is slated to play in the U.S Open this summer, but the Masters was his first step. Paired with Jerry Pate, two time Masters Champion Seve Ballesteros (1980, 1983), and Ben Crenshaw (1984, 1995 Champion) in practice rounds, Kelly praised their advice.

"They were helping me out a lot around the greens, telling me to be patient," Kelly said. "This was a good stepping-stone to realize that I can play with these guys. I've seen up close and in person how those guys perform. They are very patient people, you can see they are confident in their abilities. They have tremendous work ethics. If you can do your best at emulating them, you're going to be all right."

Kelly looks forward to graduation in May, in hopes of spending more time polishing his game.

"I'm not going to have to be worrying about some biology test I'm going to be taking on Tuesday, or some paper that's due next Thursday," said Kelly. "I'm going to be able to wake up at 6 a.m. and lift weights and go to the golf course and work on whatever I need to."

Despite missing the cut and the late semester worries back on campus, Kelly said the experience will rank among his most memorable.

"That first tee shot is something I'll never forget." he said. "That feeling of nervousness, of wanting to hit a really good drive in front of all those people. Being so nervous and so anxious to get started, and then I got a huge ovation. I got chills and almost had a tear in my eye."


*with contributions from Catherine Crane, senior staff writer for The ManEater