Owensboro’s John Augenstein Makes His Masters Debut

"A tradition unlike any other...the Masters on CBS." -- Jim Nantz

I am a huge Jim Nantz fan because, for one, his voice puts me in the stands of a basketball arena, even when I'm sitting at HOME watching all the action. He's been calling college hoops for CBS since the 1980s. He's also been the lead announcer for the Masters Golf Tournament since 1989. So I guess you could say his voice puts me in the gallery as well.

I'm looking forward to hearing those familiar pipes this weekend when the Masters moves to CBS from ESPN, where it airs during the week.

However, I do NOT have to wait to see a very talented Owensboro export making his debut at golf's crown jewel.

As a fifth-year Vanderbilt senior, Owensboro native John Augenstein is making his first Masters appearance this week.

For starters, at this very second (November 12th, 2020 @ 4:40PM Central), John is tied for 34th at one under par through 12. Yeah, I know it's early, but this is exciting.

I'm not a golfer. I can drive the ball, but putting is a joke (which doesn't make sense because I kill it at putt-putt). But I love to watch the Masters. I always have. Used to watch it with my dad.

And to see someone from my hometown participating in one of the most prestigious "championships" turns me into a star-struck fan.

A former Owensboro Catholic High standout, John has a list of accomplishments as long as your arm and my arm, end to end. And, of course, he is proud of every single one of them. But, of the Masters, he says that the course is "extremely special" and that he appreciates "the excellence of the Masters" and is "very, very, very thankful to be here and very thankful to be playing."

With that comment, he COULD also have been echoing the entire golf world and its fans. The Masters usually happens the second week in April but was postponed until this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If John finishes with the best score among the amateur golfers, he'll be recognized, along with the eventual champion, in Butler Cabin during the green jacket presentation at tourney's end.