Former champions react to Public Links extinction

T.J. Vogel has never been a member of a country club.

When he plays golf, he pays greens fees like everyone else, so winning the 2012 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship was extra special for him.

“If it wasn’t for that tournament,” Vogel said, “I wouldn’t be here.”

The Public Links offers one of six amateur exemptions into the Masters Tournament. Soon, that will change.

In February, the U.S. Golf Asso­ciation announced the elimination of the U.S. Public Links Championship after the 2014 event. The tournament will be replaced with a men’s amateur four-ball championship. With the extinction of the Public Links, one fewer amateur likely will be invited to Augusta, a place synonymous with amateur golfers.

“I was a little disappointed just because it was a special event for me; it was the way I got to play here at the Masters. I thought it was a great event,” said Brandt Snedeker, the 2003 U.S. Public Links champion. “I understand the game of golf is changing and the USGA has got to think of what can generate the most interest in their championships and how they can see the best turnout.
“But if you ask any past champion, I’m sure they are all disappointed that it’s going away. I’m sure the USGA had a good reason for doing it, but that’s kind of the way the game of golf is going right now unfortunately.”

Tim Clark, the 1997 Public Links champion, was surprised to learn the news.

“The biggest thing to me was getting an invite to this tournament,” the South African golfer said. “That was the biggest highlight of my amateur career.”

Five players in this year’s field are former Public Links champions, including Trevor Immelman (1998) and Ryan Moore (2002, 2004).

A native South African, Immelman is the only player to win the Public Links and then go on to win the Masters (2008).

Vogel, a senior at the University of Florida, is hopeful Masters officials will replace the Public Links exemption with another for amateurs. He likes the idea of extending an invitation to the NCAA Division I medalist, saying the NCAA Champ­ionship field features many of the top American amateurs.

As for the Masters, Vogel said he feels spoiled this week. After taking part Monday night in the annual Amateur Dinner, Vogel said Augusta National members continue to make players like him feel welcome.

“They love the amateurs,” Vogel said. “They’ll find a way to replace it.”