Inside Augusta National: Amateur Champs Howell & Coleman + “The Ghost” David Westin

Описание: ROAD TO AUGUSTA with Ward Clayton | Augusta Now & Then (Hamilton Coleman, Mason Howell & David "The Ghost" Westin)

Ward Clayton hosts McConnell Golf's Road to Augusta on the North Carolina Sports Network, celebrating Augusta's rich traditions and inspiring pride among local community members.

Episode two, "Augusta Now & Then," features 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion Hamilton Coleman and 2025 U.S. Amateur Champion Mason Howell—future University of Georgia roommates—discussing where their trophies are, notable congratulations they received, how they became friends through junior events, and what they're most looking forward to as their careers accelerate. Howell shares his experience playing Augusta National, what surprised him about its tightness and undulation, and his Masters-week plans, including arriving Saturday, staying in theCrow'ss Nest after the amateur dinner, having his sister caddie in the Par 3 Contest, and being paired with Rory McIlroy. Coleman, who grew up in Augusta, offers advice on finding quiet spaces during Masters week and describes his volunteer work on the driving range and short-game area, as well as his favorite local courses and food spots. Ward also covers NIL and partnerships, including Coleman's Club Car sponsorship and Howell's sponsors (Ping, FootJoy, Titleist, Huntington Bank, and NEXUS/Ness & Bourne) as well as his annual Ping trip to Arizona.

Clayton then sits down with veteran Augusta journalist and historian David Westin—known as "The Ghost"—who explains the origin of his nickname and reflects on decades covering the Masters for the Augusta Chronicle, including writing the lead story for every Masters since 1987. Westin recounts his investigative reporting on the Cliff Roberts gun auction story, his behind-the-scenes pimento cheese sandwich reporting, and his rare perspective as someone who has caddied, played, and written about Augusta National. He discusses what he learned as a caddie, memories of Augusta's Municipal "The Patch," and changes around Augusta golf, including the Patch renovation and speculation around Forest Hills and the Women's Amateur. In quick hitters, Westin shares favorite holes (notably No. 12), places to eat in Augusta, preferred concessions, viewing spots, favorite Masters moments, and his best score at Augusta National.

Ward Clayton’s 19th hole showcases upcoming events for Coleman and Howell, including the Sage Valley Junior Invitational and Coleman's potential Korn Ferry Tour start, underscoring that whether it's a first trip or a 47th, the Masters experience remains unforgettable.

00:00 McConnell Golf Legacy
01:35 Road to Augusta Setup
03:25 Trophies and Congrats
05:08 Roommates at Georgia
08:13 Mason Plays Augusta
10:08 Masters Week Plans
11:43 Hamilton Augusta Insider
16:53 NIL and Sponsors
20:19 Quick Hitters Q&A
24:40 Meet the Ghost
29:17 Cliff Roberts Gun Story
34:00 Pimento Cheese Scoop
37:39 Caddying at Augusta
38:48 Caddying At Augusta
39:26 Boss Catches Him
40:15 Caddy Culture And Pay
42:27 Media Day Versus Caddy Day
43:18 Greens Secrets And Rory Putt
44:08 Life At The Patch
46:27 Patch Renovation Concerns
48:20 Forest Hills Rumors
51:37 Masters Then And Now
55:45 Allman Brothers Love
57:58 Quick Hitters Masters Picks
01:10:13 Playing Augusta National
01:12:02 Face Of Spring And Farewell
01:14:27 Closing Wrap And Tease

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