April 9, 2009

Ira Schoffel & Paul Thomas

One would think the pressure of being a college student and playing in The Masters Tournament would be immense.

Not for Florida State's Drew Kittleson. The way he sees it, when he tees off Thursday morning, he'll be playing with house money.

If he performs well this week at Augusta National, he has a chance to make a name for himself and steal some of the national spotlight. If he struggles, well ? it's not like anyone's expecting him to do much anyway.

"No amateur has made the cut since 2005 in the Masters, so there's definitely that lingering failure," Kittleson said. "But you can't fail, because nobody expects you to do well."

Kittleson received an invitation to play in the 2009 Masters, as well as the 2009 U.S. Open, after finishing as the runner-up in the U.S. Amateur tournament last August.

"It's really a dream come true," Kittleson said. "It's something you work for as a golfer and it's the highest level, so it's something I'm really looking forward to."

Kittleson will be one of five amateurs in the field for the 2009 Masters, including New Zealander Danny Lee, who defeated him in the U.S. Amateur tournament finals. United States Mid-Amateur champion Steve Wilson and British Amateur Champion Reinier Saxton of Holland will also be in the field. As will U.S. Amateur Public Links champion Jack Newman (Michigan State), who is the only participant other than Kittleson currently playing college golf.

Kittleson could have an advantage over the other amateurs in terms of experience. With Augusta only a five-hour drive from Tallahassee, Kittleson has made the trip at least four times to practice. His best round was a 67 that he shot while playing with one of the course pros.

"It's been awesome. One weekend I was there, only seven people played all weekend," Kittleson said. "I really don't even know how to describe it. You're out there and you're all by yourself. I can bring somebody - they can't play, but they can walk, just hang out and eat and watch Lou Holtz and whoever is in the clubhouse. It's just awesome."

Though he will savor the experience, Kittleson is viewing this tournament very much like a business trip. He plans to block out the distractions, focus on his game, and do everything he can to earn a spot on the Sunday leader board.

"I don't think you should ever go to a tournament and be like, 'Oh, that's Tiger Woods,' and not be expecting to win," Kittleson said. "If you're not playing to win, you shouldn't be there."

That competitive spirit is one of the reasons FSU men's golf coach Trey Jones believes Kittleson can be competitive this week. While other amateurs might be awestruck by playing with PGA Tour stars and distracted by massive galleries, Jones thinks Kittleson will do a good job of keeping his emotions in check.

"I was nervous when I just went to the Masters [as a fan]," Jones said. "How he'll sleep on Wednesday night, I don't know. I hope he has a late tee time on Thursday so he can get some sleep in. But he's a level-headed guy. He'll figure it all out."

Another positive for Kittleson will be his playing style. Jones said the Arizona native is long off the tee and possesses a tremendous short game - both essential skills to score well at The Masters.

"My specialty is definitely my short game within 50 yards, and that's where you've got to be good at The Masters," Kittleson said. "With those greens and speeds, as long you can find it off the tee, you should be pretty good."

When pairings were announced Tuesday, Kittleson learned he would tee off Thursday with 1987 Masters winner Larry Mize and John Merrick. The group before Kittleson's 11:07 a.m. tee time will feature Sergio Garcia and Stuart Appleby.

Though being surrounded by so many big names might seem intimidating, Kittleson believes it will help his game.

"It's always good to play with somebody who's playing well, because just watching that gets you going out there," he said.