‘Bayou’ Field, Hello Augusta

Any tournament is better with Jerry Kelly in the field, right? We surveyed 100 PGA tour pros and asked them this question and emphatically they all responded with a resounding ‘yes!’ After Kelly’s one shot victory in New Orleans at the Zurich Classic, he officially got his invite to the 2010 Masters. Although this isn’t Jerry’s 1st rodeo, I think it is quite relieving for a player of Jerry’s veteran status to clinch up a win.

Known for years and years as one of the most likable players on tour, I’m sure for almost all, it’s good to see Kelly punch his ticket to Augusta. In fact, back in ’07 he was a major player in the outcome of the years first major. After being in contention all week he took a hit in the heavy Saturday winds and eventually faded on the back nine on Sunday and finished in a tie for 5th, his best ever finish at Augusta.

But Kelly has never been a guy who felt like he lost out on his chance. He’s one of those “happy to be there” kind of guys. Don’t get me wrong he’s a true competitor, what pro athlete isn’t? But he’s not an intimidator and seems to be more of a friend then an enemy on the course. He’s the kind of guy whose good for a one-liner or a punchy self-critical joke about himself. A fine mix of Woody Austin and Paul Goydos. In the 2003 “Open Championship” Kelly withdrew after the first round after firing an opening round 86, which included a septuple-bogey 11 on the first hole (septuple is ‘tuple” language for 7). When asked how he made an eleven on the first Kelly ryely responded with a grin:

“I made a thirty footer!”

Although Kelly is in the field at next year’s Masters, he shockingly declined an invite to the 2009 “Open Championship” at Royal Turnberry in Scotland. There was no disrespect in what he did, as he stated he wanted to play in his hometown event in Milwaukee, which is the tour-stop that runs opposite the “Open Championship.” Kelly has always been a Midwest family man who appreciates his roots and this critically acclaimed decision as an astonishing example of this. Or maybe that 11 was creeping back into his mind!

Anyway, congrats on the win in “Nah-lins” and welcome back to Augusta Jerry, you’re always a pleasant fixture in the field.