Potter wins par-3 crown, Wozniacki flops
by Allan Kelly
AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 13, (AFP) - Ted Potter set the stage for the
77th Masters by winning the traditional eve-of-tournament Par-3 Contest
on Wednesday, while tennis star Caroline Wozniacki provided comic
relief.
The 29-year-old American debutant carded a five-under 22 on the
nine-hole par-three layout, which lies adjacent to the famed Augusta
National course.That left him in a five-way tie for the lead along with
Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and Ernie Els.Potter then
sealed a solo win on the second hole of the ensuing playoff against just
Kuchar and Mickelson, the two others having opted out.By winning, Potter
invited the curse of the Par-3 contest to fall upon his head as, since
1960 when the family and friends knockabout was first held, no winner
has gone on to win the green jacket four days later.
The glamour team of the day, however, was undoubtedly Rory McIlroy
with his tennis-playing girlfriend Wozniacki on the bag, which produced
the unlikely scenario of autograph hunters surrounding both player and
caddie.
McIlroy and Wozniacki have been dating for the last 18 months and the
Ulsterman has already tried his hand at his girlfriend’s sport, playing
a point against Maria Sharapova, opposing Wozniacki in an exhibition
match in New York.The Dane, a former world number one, has often been
seen at McIlroy’s side at tournaments when her own playing schedule
allows, but this time she actually tried her hand at hitting a shot
competitively.
As it turned out her swing was not up to the standard of her serve as
her feeble effort off the tee at the ninth barely covered 10 yards
before plopping into the water.
That still produced a consolation high-five from the watching
McIlroy.“Excited to be @mcilroyrory’s first ever female caddie today,”
tweeted Wozniacki, who is not the first women’s professional tennis star
to caddie in this event. Chris Evert was on her then-husband Greg
Norman’s bag in 2009.Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang was also in action
ahead of his date with history on Thursday when, at just 14, he becomes
the youngest-ever player at the Masters.At the other extreme of the age
span was the grouping of three former legends of the game — Arnold
Palmer (83), Gary Player (77) and Jack Nicklaus (73).
“The Big Three” will be back at the course early Thursday as honorary
starters when the tournament proper begins. It will be the second
straight year all three have served together as starters. The biggest
cheer of the day went to two-time winner Ben Crenshaw (1984 and 1995)
when he aced the 115-yard seventh hole.
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