For these players, a win is the only way to Augusta
By Stan Awtrey, PGATOUR.COM Correspondent
One of the most popular changes instituted by Augusta National was the return of the win-and-you're-in policy. It had always been a perk that accompanied a victory on the PGA TOUR and the players missed it when it was gone and equally pleased when it returned for 2008.
The win-and-in formula worked to perfection last year when Johnson Wagner won the Shell Houston Open on Sunday afternoon and found himself in Augusta before dawn on Monday.
"It's the best reward for winning," Wagner said. "Kapalua (for the Mercedes Benz Championship) is nice, $1 million is nice, a two-year exemption, everything that goes along with winning on the PGA TOUR is incredible. But being able to come to a place like (Augusta), it's beyond belief."
Wagner is back in the same position he was a year ago. Like a lot of people in this year's Shell Houston Open field, he needs a win to earn a return trip to Augusta. Here are seven other names that may surprise you; each must win this week at Redstone or risk the possibility of spending next week with the family.
Davis Love III: He messed up by missing the cut at Bay Hill last week. That was the first in a series of unfortunate events that cost him four places in the Official World Golf Rankings. It landed him at No. 51, one spot short, and allowed young South African Louis Oosthuizen to land the gate pass for Magnolia Lane. If Love doesn't win this week, he'll miss the Masters for the second straight season. Consolation prize: At least North Carolina is in the Final Four. One more: His hometown of Sea Island, Ga. may be the best place on earth.
Charles Howell III: He messed up at the Transitions Championship with a pair of untimely bogeys while leading on the final day. Howell has never missed the Masters since turning professional. He was raised in Augusta and considers Augusta National his favorite place in the world. Consolation prize: None.
Charley Hoffman: Dude, where's my invitation? Too bad, because he was planning to visit the barber shop at Augusta National and have his locks trimmed by Floyd, the official barber.
David Toms: This former major champion has struggled with injuries and is trying to reclaim his position as one of the game's best. He remains accurate, but his putting stroke hasn't been sharp. Consolation prize: LSU spring football can't be that far away.
John Rollins: Here's a guy who has two runner-up finishes this year, but can't get in. That's too bad, because his new svelte figure would look good in that Green Jacket. Consolation prize: He doesn't have to turn down the calorie-packed peach cobbler in the Augusta National's grillroom.
Lucas Glover: He's coming off a tie for 11th at Bay Hill, which infuses him with some needed confidence. He drives it awfully well, which will help this week. Consolation prize: Well, they say the greens at Redstone are just like the ones at Augusta.
Mark Calcavecchia: The Augusta National clubhouse crew has special-ordered about 50 new putters of all sizes and shapes, just in case Calc gets in the field. For some reason, he's been known to go punish a putter when things don't go just right, thus requiring a last-minute substitution -- or several of them. Consolation prize: If Calc doesn't make it, Billy Payne and the Gang will be able to save a few bucks by purchasing some discount putters on Monday.
Scott Verplank: Which Verplank will show up? The one who placed 14th in 2008, or the one who missed the cut in the four previous visits to Houston? He was fourth at Bay Hill last week, so his game is solid. It's hard to believe that this guy has never won a major championship. Consolation prize: Southwest Airlines has some cheap airfares from Houston to Dallas.
There are others who won't be there, too: Kevin Na, Ben Crane, Vaughn Taylor, the other true Augusta connection. They've each got one last chance, too, along with 120 or so other players in the Houston field. Who knows? Maybe there's another Johnson Wagner waiting to happen.
Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.
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