Alex Riley, Special to SMUMustangs.com
4/6/2021
DALLAS – It’s one thing to see Augusta National on television. It’s another to tee up and try your hand at conquering the fabled course.
Ollie Osborne learned the difference very quickly.
Back in August, the SMU sophomore placed second at the U.S. Amateur Open, earning him a spot at the 2021 Masters later this week. In preparation, he was given a chance to play the course with his father back in February.
“The TV doesn’t do the greens any justice. That is true. They’re very slopey and kind of like a rollercoaster going around there,” Osborne said. “So it was definitely great to get a couple rounds under my belt and actually see what the greens are like going into the event.”
The TV doesn’t do the greens any justice. That is true. They’re very slopey and kind of like a rollercoaster going around there.Ollie Osborne
He’s now seen the course. But seeing it on Thursday with thousands of spectators looking on as the world’s best golfers vie for one of the sport’s top prizes will once again be a whole other thing.
Fortunately, Osborne is no stranger to big moments on the links. Back in the summer of 2019, he played the PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship in his hometown of Reno after qualifying for an amateur spot. He won a college event as a freshman and another as sophomore and tied for 47th individually at the 2019 NCAA Championship during his freshman season.
In addition to success on the course, he also has a reliable guide walking step-for-step with him. His father, Steve, got the opportunity to play Augusta National in February as well and will continue to serve as his caddy this week.
“I love having him on the bag. He’s the one who always calms me down, he knows me really well,” Osborne said. “I’m looking forward to walking down some fairways with him and hopefully have a good week with him.”
I’m looking forward to hearing some roars.Ollie Osborne
For his part, Osborne is keeping his expectations for Augusta focused. His top priority is to finish as the lowest scoring amateur player in the field. It’s a short but talented list featuring himself, British Amateur winner Joe Long and Georgia Tech graduate Tyler Strafaci, the man who bested Osborne at the U.S. Amateur Open.
After that, it’s all about savoring the moment, something he fully intends to do.
“I think at the end of the week, I just want to look back and know that I enjoyed the experience and actually took the time to take it in and have fun with dad on the bag and all that,” Osborne said. “I don’t want to have any regrets of not taking it all in and not having that great experience.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing some roars.”
