Young US golf star Ty Tyron to play Masters
IN: News | Australasian PGA | MasterCard Masters (2002) | Preview | 30 Oct 2002
American prodigy Ty Tryon - universally recognised as one of the best young talents in world golf - has been confirmed as a starter in the 2002 MasterCard Masters in Melbourne. The 18-year-old's appearance in the $1.25 million event at Huntingdale Golf Club from December 5-8 will mark his first competitive outing in Australia.
Tryon, coached by David Leadbetter since 1993, created history by becoming the youngest player ever (at 17 years, six months, and one day) to win a US PGA Tour card after tying for 23rd place at the 2001 Qualifying School. He had to fire a 66 in the sixth and final round to do it. Tryon, who only turned professional in August last year while still in junior high school, survived two preliminary stages of qualifying just to advance to the School.
His 2002 season was disrupted in March when he contracted mononucleosis sidelining him until September. However, Tryon returned to action last month in encouraging fashion tying for 41st place at the Tampa Bay Classic. The US PGA Tour, in light of his illness, has granted Tryon a medical exemption enabling him to play 20 events in 2003 in case he doesn't retain his playing rights this year.
He first made headlines on the US PGA Tour in March 2001 at the Honda Classic as a 16-year-old amateur. After qualifying for the event, Tryon became the youngest player in 44 years to make the cut in a US Tour event. He shot rounds of 67-73-70-68 to finish in a tie for 39th. A few months later, he impressed again grabbing the first round lead at the B.C. Open after firing a 65 and ended up in a share of 37th.
Tryon was originally introduced to the game by his father (an accomplished amateur golfer himself) in his native North Carolina. In fact, Tryon had the use of a putting green at his family's farm from the age of five. After his family moved to Florida in 1993, Tryon was placed under the tutelage of Leadbetter. He excelled on the American Junior Golf Association circuit winning six titles after turning 14 and also represented the United States in several international competitions.
Tryon lists Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els as his golfing idols. His father nicknamed him Ty after Ty Webb - Chevy Chase's character in the 1980 film 'Caddyshack'.
Tryon and six-time major winner Nick Faldo will be two of the star international attractions at Huntingdale in December. This year the MasterCard Masters will be carrying a record purse of $1.25 million. It has been one of the highlights of the Australasian Tour since it began in 1979.
