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Gary Player was right after all. The South African golf icon was harshly criticised when he selected Trevor Immelman as a captain’s pick for the 2005 Presidents Cup.
Watch the final moments of Immelman’s victory
Immelman at the time had done nothing to speak of on the international stage, but Player claimed his prodigy was a champion in the making.
Less than three years later, Player was proved correct when Immelman displayed poise beyond his 28 years to win the 72nd Masters at Augusta National today.
With a smooth swing Immelman survived a double bogey at the 16th hole to earn a three-stroke victory over Tiger Woods, whose hopes of winning the Grand Slam in 2008 were dashed at the first hurdle.
While the Australian drought at the Masters continued, Immelman became the second South African to earn a green jacket, joining his idol, three-time champion Player.
Immelman is an impressive golfer, but he’s an even more impressive person. You won’t find him in any bar fights, or indulging in any other anti-social activity, and he has spent his life preparing for this moment, ever since he first met Player at the age of five.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning majors and deep down I thought I was good enough, but at times you obviously doubt yourself, because you screw up a few times and you’re like ‘man, maybe I’m not good enough’,” he said.
“To be a major champion, and a champion here at the Masters, is what I’ve dreamt about since I was a very young man. I’m living proof that if you work hard enough and believe in yourself it can happen.
“This is fantastic for our country to have another major champion and hopefully I’ll be an inspiration for young South Africans to work hard and dream big dreams, because that’s what I did.”
Immelman likely will keep his perspective, because only four months ago he was in hospital on a morphine drip after having a chunk of his back removed, a tumour which proved to be benign.
“The week before I’m winning a tournament and the next week I’m lying in a hospital bed,” he said. “You realise it can get taken away so fast and if you don’t enjoy every step of the way you might regret it.”
Immelman, who started the final round with a two-shot advantage, always held at least a share of the lead, and when he pulled six shots ahead with four holes left, he only had to avoid disaster to win.
But disaster struck at the par-three 16th, where he inexplicably pulled a seven-iron into the pond left of the green, the same watery grave that ended Greg Norman’s hopes in 1996.
“The wind was really swirling around but, to be fair, I made a poor swing and pulled it,” he said. “My caddie told me to hang in there, and I played the next three holes beautifully.”
Immelman, boosted by an overnight voice mail from Player, carded 75 in a stiff breeze to finish at eight-under 280, becoming the only player currently aged less than 30 with a major title.
“This is a tremendous confidence boost,” Immelman said. “Now that I’ve got one under my belt, I’m not going to sit back and go ‘I’m done’.
“I’m going to keep working hard and trying to make the most of what I’ve been given.
“It was so difficult out there and I’m so proud of myself for hanging in there through the adversity today and keeping my chin up and staying focused.
“Here I am, after missing the cut last week, the Masters champion. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard of.
“This has been the ultimate rollercoaster ride, and I hate rollercoasters.”