BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
He will walk by hundreds if not thousands of Masters patrons, and not many of them will take a second look. But he's right there this weekend at Augusta National, playing alongside golfers with names like Fowler, Watson, Mcllroy and Mickelson.
And
Vestavia Hill's Smylie Kaufman belongs at the world's greatest golf
tournament, right there for the world to see, so young, so excited.
They always say the youngest turns out to be the most talented as the kid gets more athletic exposure from older siblings, teaching and technology.
Ever since he grasped tips from his grandfather, former UAB golf coach Alan Kaufman.
Ever since he walked seemingly every course in the southeast with his parents Jeff and Pam.
Ever since his older brother Luckie challenged him, there was something special about the kid. His longtime golf instructor Eric Eshleman knew it, his LSU teammates knew it.
How does a 24-year-old realize his dream of playing in the Masters? Last fall, in only his fifth professional tournament, Smylie Kaufman found himself turning in a final round for the ages.
Kaufman shot a 61 in the final round of the Shriner's Hospital for Children PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. That's a 61. Eight birdies and an eagle. A million dollar check and a berth in the Masters. Really? At age 24?
Actually, Smylie already knew all about being young and talented: He had played in the U.S. Junior Amateur at age 14. Early success at an early age.
Just yesterday, Smylie had an ace at the Masters Par Three tournament, the first time he had played that course. Fear the hallowed grounds of Augusta on national TV? Not when there were aces to be made.
And the first name? He's named after his grandmother's cousin Smylie Gebhart, who was an All-American defensive end for the Georgia Tech football team back in 1971. His real name? Carter.
Somehow it wouldn't sound right if he stepped to the first tee at Augusta National on Thursday afternoon and heard, "Ladies and gentleman, from Vestavia Hills, Alabama: Carter Kaufman!"
As you watch the Masters this weekend, how about rooting for the kid they call "Smylie"?
At age 24, he has won a PGA Tour event, he already has a lunch entree named after him at Jack Brown's Beer & Burgers restaurant ("The Smylie" will get you a burger with bacon, BBQ sauce, mac & cheese and BBQ chips for $7.99).
Now it's time for the young man who has seen fame come to him quickly make some noise at the Masters. Can Smylie shock the world? Why not?
Kaufman may be too young to know any better.
Go get 'em Smylie, we'll be watching!
source
He will walk by hundreds if not thousands of Masters patrons, and not many of them will take a second look. But he's right there this weekend at Augusta National, playing alongside golfers with names like Fowler, Watson, Mcllroy and Mickelson.
They always say the youngest turns out to be the most talented as the kid gets more athletic exposure from older siblings, teaching and technology.
Ever since he grasped tips from his grandfather, former UAB golf coach Alan Kaufman.
Ever since he walked seemingly every course in the southeast with his parents Jeff and Pam.
Ever since his older brother Luckie challenged him, there was something special about the kid. His longtime golf instructor Eric Eshleman knew it, his LSU teammates knew it.
How does a 24-year-old realize his dream of playing in the Masters? Last fall, in only his fifth professional tournament, Smylie Kaufman found himself turning in a final round for the ages.
Kaufman shot a 61 in the final round of the Shriner's Hospital for Children PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. That's a 61. Eight birdies and an eagle. A million dollar check and a berth in the Masters. Really? At age 24?
Actually, Smylie already knew all about being young and talented: He had played in the U.S. Junior Amateur at age 14. Early success at an early age.
Just yesterday, Smylie had an ace at the Masters Par Three tournament, the first time he had played that course. Fear the hallowed grounds of Augusta on national TV? Not when there were aces to be made.
And the first name? He's named after his grandmother's cousin Smylie Gebhart, who was an All-American defensive end for the Georgia Tech football team back in 1971. His real name? Carter.
Somehow it wouldn't sound right if he stepped to the first tee at Augusta National on Thursday afternoon and heard, "Ladies and gentleman, from Vestavia Hills, Alabama: Carter Kaufman!"
As you watch the Masters this weekend, how about rooting for the kid they call "Smylie"?
At age 24, he has won a PGA Tour event, he already has a lunch entree named after him at Jack Brown's Beer & Burgers restaurant ("The Smylie" will get you a burger with bacon, BBQ sauce, mac & cheese and BBQ chips for $7.99).
Now it's time for the young man who has seen fame come to him quickly make some noise at the Masters. Can Smylie shock the world? Why not?
Kaufman may be too young to know any better.
Go get 'em Smylie, we'll be watching!
source
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