Guan Tianlang sunk a birdie on the 18th hole to the delight of the Augusta crowdsI played some good golf and it just feels greatThe 14-year-old Chinese sensation carded a one-over-par 73 and won the hearts and respect of galleries up and down the spiritual home of US golf.
Guan Tianlang
Ryder Cup stars Steve Stricker and Graeme McDowell joined Guan in the over-over club
, while the list of world stars that he outshone include Bubba Watson, Stewart Cink, Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington.In fact Guan went round
in six fewer shots than Irishman Harrington, who has won three career majors.A star has been born - not that he is fazed.
"I just feel comfortable and relaxed," said Guan, who outscored his playing partners, two-time Masters
champion Ben Crenshaw (80) and Italy's Matteo Manassero (75)."I played some good golf and it just feels great."
Guan Tianlang tips his cap as he walks up to the green on the 18th hole at AugustaThe smooth-swinging Guan was just one stroke away from the 72 four-time winner
Tiger Woods recorded as a 19-year-old in his first round at the Masters, and three shots better than six-times winner Jack Nicklaus recorded at 19 in his first Masters. A care basket that included two bananas, some energy bars and fruit juice packed by his mother might have helped, along with the encouragement from an entourage of more than a dozen friends and family that followed him every step of the way.
"He played about four of the most beautiful delicate pitches you've ever seen," said Crenshaw, who applauded Guan after he pitched into a mound from behind the par-three sixth green to trickle the ball
down close and save par. "He played like a journeyman, a 28-year-old journeyman who's been around the block, made a ton of cuts. He played a beautiful round of golf."