Alex Maguire has had a brilliant week so far! With his first major championship debut approaching, he has expressed excitement to tee off alongside former Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel. However, for the youngster, this will not be the first time he will get to play alongside a Masters Champion; the other time, surprisingly, was earlier this week!
Maguire had an unexpected surprise during Monday’s practice round at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, as he found himself playing alongside the 2018 Masters champion. His experience was delightful, and he claimed to have gained valuable insights from the champion. Despite the major winner’s controversial reputation, they had a positive experience with him and valued the opportunity to learn from the major champion.
Alex Maguire has a memorable encounter with the 2018 Master’s Champion
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Maguire’s solo practice round quickly turned into a memorable experience when he discovered Patrick Reed and Denny McCarthy at the first tee. He appreciated the chance to play with a Masters champion and recognized McCarthy as one of the world’s top putters. He had nothing but praise for Reed, highlighting the golfer’s pleasant demeanor and kind words about the amateur’s driving abilities.
“We were chatting away, and I was asking him about the course from when he played here in 2014, but he couldn’t remember it,” he stated, As per Irish Golfer’s latest report. “He was a great guy, he couldn’t have been nicer to me; he complimented how far I hit it on the first tee.”
"Reed was a great guy, he couldn't have been nicer to me, he complimented how far I hit it on the first tee so yeah, what other opinions people have about him, to me he was a great guy and that's all I can go off."https://t.co/nF4hVfNhDk
— Irish Golfer (@IrishGolferMag) July 18, 2023
The Florida Atlantic University graduate was also quick to shut down Reed’s critics and pointed out how the media’s portrayal of Reed was not something that his experience reflected. “Whatever people write about him in the media and what other opinions people have about him, to me he was a great guy, and that’s all I can go off.”
Moreover, the amateur golfer opened up about how those few hours with the former Augusta winner had left him with invaluable lessons about the sport!
Maguire’s learning while observing Patrick Reed
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The young golfer engaged in conversations with Reed, seeking insights into the Royal Liverpool course, particularly Reed’s experience during the 2014 tournament. While Reed couldn’t recall specific details, he mentioned that the course was currently “softer than before.” He also mentioned how he was conscious of the fact that while playing, you must not question anyone a lot.
Hence, instead of asking him questions, he watched Reed work his magic on the course. He learned things by observing their playing style and decision-making and took a mental note of the way the LIV star was approaching all the shots and how well he was executing them. “It was great to play with a Masters champion and Denny, who is known as one of the best putters in the world,” he said to the press after praising both the accomplished golf pros.
Alex Maguire undoubtedly eagerly awaits his early tee time on Thursday morning, when he can play alongside yet another Masters champion and perhaps soak up more skill by observing Schwartzel when they’re paired together. His commitment to honing his skills and making the most of his major championship debut exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his aspirations for success at Royal Liverpool.
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