The Masters: Clemson's Doc Redman not nervous about competing against world's best |
CLEMSON - Last August, Clemson golfer Doc Redman stood over a 60-foot putt for eagle at the U.S. Amateur, an opportunity to receive a Masters invite on the line. There was only one thing on his mind during that moment, and that was, concentrating.
“I didn’t really have any nerves and the Masters was not in the back of my mind,” Redman told TigerNet Tuesday. “I was just worried about concentrating on winning the match and the hole and doing my best on each shot. It never really popped in my mind.” Redman won the U.S. Amateur at hallowed Riviera in the most dramatic of fashion, rallying from two holes down with two to play with a 50-foot eagle on 17 and birdie at 18 before winning with another conceded birdie on the first extra hole. That earned Redman an invitation to play in the Masters, which runs April 5-8 at Augusta National, and he admits that right now he is not feeling nervous. “I’m not too nervous yet. I’m sure when I get down there I’ll be pretty nervous,” Redman said. “But I’ve drawn a lot of confidence on playing Bay Hill last week, I know what it’s like now and I can hang with those guys.” Other than having the advantage and experience of playing on a big stage with top names he says that another big help with preparing for the Masters is already being familiar with the course. “I played a round last year at Augusta and twice this year which is great and I keep getting more and more comfortable out there,” he said. “It’s a huge help knowing the course especially when you’re playing guys that have played in multiple masters. You can never be too familiar with a golf course so playing as much as I can really helps.” Heading into a tournament like this iconic one takes a lot of preparation physically, but most importantly mentally. Redman told TigerNet that his plan for pacing himself begins with not overworking himself. “I’m trying not to overwork. All the preparation has happened in the past few months for the masters and leading up to it,” Redman said. “It’s maintaining and fine-tuning everything once I get to Augusta. there is no reason to worry about anything or grind on the range.” Even if Redman does not make the cut on the weekend, he told us that he will not get down on himself, but he has a few goals he wants to accomplish to ensure that his time competing is a success. “I’m trying to do a few performance goals. I’m trying to hit some fairways and hit a few putting stats. Not really the outcome,” Redman said. “I figure I’ll go out there and try and play my best that week. I’m really out there to learn. I want to learn about my game and how I can improve. No matter what it will be a success.” The dream for a golfer is reaching the ultimate goal of playing in the Masters. This event is shared among friends and families all over the world. Redman has never gotten to experience it as a fan, but at this year’s tournament, he will have the best seat in the house. “Everyone wants to play in the Masters and to be able to play as an amateur is unimaginable. I usually watch with my family and friends and sometimes even in class, I know a lot of people can relate to that,” he said. “And then on the weekends sitting down in the afternoon and watching. One of my favorite memories watching was Tiger Wood’s chip in on number 16 in 2005.” Redman will be paired with the defending champion (Sergio Garcia) for the first two rounds.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
