golfrewind.com

Looks like the kid missed it by that much.

PGATour.com has the post Players Championship money list, and he is 11th. Jumped over Rod Pampling, JB Holmes, Verplank, DL III, and Lucas Glover, but Ames moved up 61 spots. Too bad he had several makeable putts that didn't drop on the back 9 - solo third would have meant another $160K and moved him into 9th.

The only other way I am aware he could get in is to move up from 96th in the WR to the top 50. Not likely that happened.

That's to bad. I like this kid. Maybe he will get some special invite?

brianf

There's an argument to be made here that he might be better off NOT playing the Master's. He's a young guy still learning the ropes so to speak on the PGA Tour. Let him get a solid season under his belt and come back next year. He'll be a better player and a better competitor.

He's very young and very talented. He'll get his shot at all the majors eventually.

I think he deserves one as he has two seconds and a t-3 so far. That's unbelievable for a rookie

Could he not get in if someone pulls out? Like DiMarco pulled out of the Players to let Villegas in?

Greetings ...

Like many others, I was also hoping that Villegas would finish high enough to earn a Masters invitation.

Yes, it's true that Augusta National could still invite him via the special category of "International Player not otherwise eligible".

But do you know what would be BETTER?

What would be better is if Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson were to hold a press conference on Monday, during which I would hope that the following would be announced --

(1) "Beginning with the 2007 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 10 and ties in each of these events during the previous year - the US Open (previously Top 8 and Ties), the British Open and PGA Championship (previously Top 4 and Ties in each).

(2) "Beginning with the 2008 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top Five and ties in the previous year's Players Championship.

(3) "Beginning with the 2007 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 50 on the PGA Tour Official Money List, at the conclusion of the previous calendar year.

(4) "Beginning with the 2006 Masters, Augusta National will issue a special invitation to at least two American players, as well as to at least two International players, if they are not otherwise eligible by any of our numbered invitational criteria.

"And finally ...

(5) "Beginning with the 2006 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 15 on the PGA Tour Official Money List, at the conclusion of the tournament contested two weeks prior to the Masters."

With regards to (5) - GUESS WHO THAT WOULD INCLUDE!

Let's hope for the best!

He'll be in my Pick'Em squad if he makes it to Augusta

He would seem to have the type of game to fit Augusta...although it's rare for someone to play really well at the Masters their first trip there. Either way, he'll get his shot there soon enough.

Greetings ...

Right now, the most important web-link in golf is this one ---

Official 2006 Masters Tournament Invitees List

When Augusta updates the page, and we see Stephen Ames' name along with the others who made it in, then the whole world will know.

Camilo did not disappoint. His was a good effort and another lesson of the many he must learn. I agree with all posts here at GR. Some of his stats are listed for your info.

Drives....avg for tourney...301yds
longest....335

FWays hit... avg 61%

Putts per round
Avg for tournament.....28.5



IMHO,, he is one of the finest young golfers to come along in quite a while.

Well, maybe if Ames prefers to stay on vacation with his family instead of playing the Masters, he could give his slot to Villegas!

Unlike the other 3 majors, there is no list of alternates at the Masters.

BTW - for anyone who didn't make the connection, the reason Ames is serious when he says he may not go to the Masters is because his wife is battling C. The planned extended family vacation is rightfully more important.

As it turns out, Mr. Ames told a Toronto radio station today that after discussing it with his family, he is going to the Masters after all. Last year was his debut at Augusta BTW, although I think I read somewhere Tiger has won more majors than Stephen has played in.