The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Former UAB golfer competing at Masters
4/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 8, 2005
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Graeme McDowell used to fantasize about one day playing in the Masters while strolling the course in college.
He didn't have to wait long. The 25-year-old former UAB golfer made it into the field with a tie for second at Bay Hill in March that put him into the Top 50 in the World Rankings.
"It's pretty spectacular, really," McDowell said, "but it's very different inside the ropes.
"The golf course is absolutely amazing. The practice round -- 40,000 people, it's unbelievable."
McDowell, from Northern Ireland, nabbed one of the last five spots in the field. He credited his Masters spot to "good timing" with the performance at Bay Hill, a course near Orlando, Fla.
"The World Rankings are a funny thing," he told The Anniston Star in a story Wednesday. "You've just got to play well. When something's on your mind like a Top 50 for the Masters, it plays on your mind a little bit and you can lose focus. You definitely have to concentrate week by week.
"I felt fortunate I had such a good finish at Bay Hill. That means I can forget about the World Rankings for the rest of the year now and just concentrate on my game."
McDowell and UAB were regular participants in Augusta State's tournament across town from Augusta National. Every participating team got badges to walk the grounds during Monday's practice round of the Masters.
McDowell divides his time between the PGA and European Tours and is currently 38th in the world. He tees off Thursday morning and plays the first two rounds with Tim Clark and two-time Masters champ Ben Crenshaw.
"It's the pinnacle of the four majors for me," McDowell said. "The British Open is right there, but I think the Masters is the more special one for me.
"I've watched it since I was a boy. It's a very, very special golf tournament. This is the one I want to win out of all four. I wouldn't be picky, but this would be special."
