“Hey, what do you play off? Five? Six?”
Not the words you want to hear when you’re sitting comfortably inside the top five of the Masters Tournament after 36 holes.
But for David Howell, this is exactly what happened during his third appearance at Augusta in 2007 – something that will live long in the memory for the most unusual and comical of reasons.
“I’d played pretty poorly the first two days, but I was lying inside the top ten,” Howell recited. “I went up with my coach and caddie to practice at Forest Hills ahead of the weekend at Augusta.
“At the very moment I went to pay my $20 to play at the pro shop, the TV had my face on it.
“I was sat in fifth or something at this stage and the assistant pro there, who was taking my money, finally recognised my face and it was all a bit weird.
“I went off with my caddie and my coach and we played nine holes. I was terrible and I was getting worse as the round went on, but I was stood on the ninth tee and two guys were waiting for me to play.
“Sure enough, I hit a three wood up the fairway and one of them shouted over ‘Hey, what do you play off? Five? Six?’
“And I had to say actually no I'm a pro and as it turns out I'm lying third in the Masters. Yet they thought I was a five or six handicapper.
“If I’d gone on to win that would have been the anecdotes of all anecdotes.”
As it turns out, practising at the local club may not have been the best idea, firing rounds of 82 and 77 on the weekend to finish in a tie for 44th.
However, six holes in to the third round, Howell was in fact leading the tournament with his caddie saying: “I’ve known you since you were 14 years of age and I’ve never seen you play so badly. But, you’re leading the Masters by one.”
Despite being mistaken for a local amateur golfer, the 43-year-old has a lot of fond memories of Augusta, even if he didn’t get to drive down Magnolia Lane on his first visit.
“I’d love to say I came down the avenue of trees, but no,” Howell said.
“I came in the side gate, down a gravely road alongside Magnolia Lane, which was a slight let down. A real blow.
“But the excitement is just like a five-year-old on Christmas Day. That’s the only way I can describe it.
“I’ve been lucky to have so many nice experiences at Augusta. I always got off to good starts and finished 11th the first time I played.
“I had to pinch myself. Have I just nearly finished in the top ten of the Masters? That would be my proudest moment in Georgia.”
It goes without saying that the Masters is an event like no other. For many fans it marks the start of the golfing season, as the beauty of Augusta National is broadcast around the world.
But it is also a unique course to visit for those playing.
“I always remember there aren't enough lockers for the players, so you have to share. I was given a shared locker, which was fine by me of course,” Howell added.
“When Colin Montgomerie turned up and he had been given a shared locker as well, I thought ‘crikey’.
“I remember thinking, if Monty had been given a shared locker anywhere else in the world, and I don't mean to talk disparagingly but, it wouldn't happen.
“He was just like: ‘Thank you very much, that's great. I'll share with whoever.’
“Everyone is walking on egg shells slightly but also very excited. Then the guys who have been there for years – Nicklaus, Palmer etc – of course, they feel totally at home. It's an amazing mix.
“I arranged to play with Nick Faldo during my first practice round, so that was a dream.
“Who better to play with than Nick?
“You feel you’re in the right arena where you can ask to play with these guys, which was an amazing experience.”
Whether you are a professional visiting Augusta for the first time or a spectator getting settled for a long day in front of the television, the Masters delivers unforgettable moments year after year.
