Golf: McDowell Masters art of the ace ahead of Augusta

NORTHERN IRELAND'S Graeme McDowell has joined the list of players to have had holes-in-one in Masters week – but not on the day he would have chosen.

McDowell's ace came on the last hole of yesterday's par-three competition on the nine-hole layout next to Augusta National.

But at least the Ryder Cup star is not the one carrying a hoodoo into the tournament proper starting today. No par-three winner has gone on to Masters glory four days later, but Louis Oosthuizen must now try to break that jinx.

A six-under-par 21, only one outside the all-time record, gave Oosthuizen a two-stroke victory over 16-year-old British amateur champion Matteo Manassero, South Korean KJ Choi and Americans David Duval and Jerry Pate. Oosthuizen becomes the third South African winner in a row after Rory Sabbatini and Tim Clark – and it was his own second title in a row.

He won the Andalucian Open in Malaga two weeks ago and with it jumped into the world's top 50 to earn one of the last spots in the Masters field. McDowell, who led for a while and then had his ace matched by Jim Furyk, commented: "I don't think I've ever been leader in the clubhouse and hope somebody comes and breaks me.

"It's a little bit like an opening ceremony for the week – everybody out on the course enjoying themselves and a great way for us to enjoy the atmosphere as well.

"The hole-in-one? There's so much luck involved, but that will go into the memory banks as definitely a special moment in my majors career so far."

The focus has all been on Tiger Woods so far but he once again chose to skip the par-three competition, preferring time away from the crowds. Just hours earlier, Augusta National chairman Billy Payne, pictured, had launched a stinging attack on the wayward star at his eve-of-championship Press conference.

Payne, who in 1996 was president of the Atlanta Olympics organising committee, said: "We are not unaware of the significance of this week to a very special player, a man who in a brief 13 years clearly and emphatically proclaimed and proved his game to be worthy of the likes of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. As he ascended in our rankings of the world's great golfers he became an example to our kids that success is directly attributable to hard work and effort. But, as he now says himself, he forgot in the process to remember that with fame and fortune comes responsibility, not invisibility. It is not simply the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here. It is the fact that he disappointed all of us and, more importantly, our kids and our grandkids.

"Our hero did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children. Is there a way forward? I hope yes, I think yes. But certainly his future will never again be measured only by his performance against par, but measured by the sincerity of his efforts to change. I hope he now realises that every kid he passes on the course wants his swing, but would settle for his smile.

"I hope he can come to understand that life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who bring joy to the lives of other people.

"We at Augusta hope and pray that our great champion will begin his new life here in a positive, hopeful and constructive manner, but this time with a significant difference from the past. This year it will not be just for him, but for all of us who believe in second chances."

Now attention turns to how Woods plays – and whether any attempt will be made to disrupt the tournament because of the controversy surrounding his well-publicised misdemeanours.

"We have a significant history and track record of responding to all types of situations by the dedication of both planning and resources," added Payne.

"Of course we were very aware of and responsive to the possible issues of this week. So without going into detail I think we did what we would always do – and that is to make adequate provision for every contingency.

"Of course we are concerned about that every year without regard to who the specific players are. We prepare as best as we can fully realising and knowing that when they come through the security you can screen for everything but bad intentions. You know, we are always on guard."

McKECHNIE WINS SKYCADDIE CHALLENGE

BRAID HILLS pro Paul McKechnie won the Tartan Tour's Skycaddie 36-hole Challenge at Monifieth by two shots, writes NICK RODGER.

McKechnie, who led overnight, carded a three-under par 68 for a seven-under total 135, landing the 760 top prize from Scott Henderson of the Kings Links.

Greig Hutcheon, the former Scottish PGA champion, was third on 138 after a 69. Lothians duo Lee Harper and Gareth Wright tied for ninth on 142s.

Capital ace Andrew Oldcorn shot a 71 to seal a top 20 place on 144 while Gullane's Heather MacRae finished on the 154 mark after a 77.