With just two days until the world’s best tee it up at the Masters Tournament, this year’s competitors are making their final preparations ahead of 2016’s first Major.
European Challenge Tour star Romain Langasque, the 2015 Amateur Champion, is one such player getting ready for Augusta National, fresh from finishing runner-up in the Barclays Kenya Open to currently hold second place in the Road to Oman Rankings.
Here are six steps the French amateur has been taking before his Masters debut:
1) Win on American soil
As reigning Amateur Champion, the 20 year old took on US Amateur Champion Bryson DeChambeau in the Georgia Cup at the Golf Club of Georgia. The Frenchman sailed to a 4&3 victory in the 18-hole event for his first win in the United States – the perfect build up before Masters week.
2) Talk to your friends
Joining Langasque at the Masters this year is countryman and close friend Victor Dubuisson. The 2014 Ryder Cup winner shares a coach with Langaqsue, who will use his friend’s expertise to help him tackle Augusta’s hallowed turf. He said: “Victor is a really good friend, such a good player too, and he has played the Masters a couple of times so hopefully he will be able to tell me the right places to go, and the places to avoid.”
3) Learn from the greats
When Langasque worked on his putting on the Augusta practice greens this week, the young Frenchman crossed paths with nine-time Major winner Gary Player. The South African, who has won the Green Jacket on three occasions, took time to pose for a picture – and share some invaluable wisdom – with the delighted amateur.
4) Practise with the best
After rubbing shoulders with one of golf’s all-time greats, Langasque went on to practise with current World Number One Jason Day. The 20 year old’s father Marc tweeted his thanks to the Australian for taking time out to hit some shots with his son.
5) Get a good night’s sleep
Following long days striking balls in the Georgia sunshine, it is important for the Frenchman to get some rest. As last year’s Amateur Champion, Langasque has been invited to stay in the Crow’s Nest – the attic in the Augusta National Clubhouse – with other amateur stars. The accommodation, which can hold up to five people, has previously hosted Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, among others. Ryan Moore, twice a resident in 2003 and 2005, said of the room: “It’s not the most luxurious of places, but you can’t beat it for convenience – and what could be better than waking up and looking out over Augusta National?”
6) KEEP CALM
But most importantly, it seems the Frenchman is keeping relaxed and enjoying his week.
