Richie Ramsay completed the perfect warm up for his Masters debut by becoming the first ever Scot to win the Georgia Cup at the Golf Club of Georgia yesterday.
Ramsay’s US Amateur victory last year was the first by a Scot since 1898 and helped to propel him to pole position in the first world amateur rankings in January. His latest victory will be seen as a statement of intent before he tees off with defending champion Phil Mickelson at Augusta National.Â
In a scrappy match, fought out on typically treacherous greens, Ramsay contained his occasionally explosive temperament to beat the British Amateur Champion, Julien Guerrier.
After managing to keep the Frenchman in sight over the opening holes Ramsay reigned in his game and the match to dominate the back nine.
Phlegmatic as ever, Ramsay told reporters:
“I was disappointed with my performance but I hung in there and my caddie Jody Keepers was spot on with his numbers all day. In the end, a win’s a win.”
Having chosen to remain amateur this year after securing places in the Masters and British and US Opens, Ramsay will now be hoping that he his appearances with the professionals prove the wisdom of that decision and provide him with experience that most amateurs can only dream of.
Undoubtedly the excitement of the Masters is on a different level to playing in front of the 700 spectators who watched him yesterday.
Ramsay, however, is no stranger to playing – and winning – in America. It is unlikely the occasion will affect him, and confident of his form, he is more than likely to make an immediate impact at Augusta.