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My So-Called Masters

Augusta victor Immelman, like Johnson in 2007, a relative unknown

By Jesse Andrews, Newser User

Posted Apr 13, 2008 10:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – Trevor Immelman, winner of just one prior PGA tour, became the second straight upstart to claim the Masters at the Augusta National club, after Zach Johnson won it in 2007—an odds-defying trend in the relatively staid world of golf championships. ESPN golf columnist Bob Harig notes that Immelman led all four days—the first such run in 28 years.

Immelman did, to his credit, have the confidence of South African golf legend Gary Player, who called his countryman "one of the best strikers of the ball I've ever seen in my life." Still, his victory has to be considered an upset—the 29th-ranked Immelman had had a benign diaphragm tumor removed just four months ago.

Trevor Immelman of South Africa celebrates after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Zach Johnson puts the green jacket on Trevor Immelman of South Africa after Immelman won the 2008 Masters golf tournament. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Trevor Immelman of South Africa celebrates with his wife Carmenita and son Jacob after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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My So-Called Masters

Augusta victor Immelman, like Johnson in 2007, a relative unknown

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My So-Called Masters

Augusta victor Immelman, like Johnson in 2007, a relative unknown

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

golf • Zach Johnson • Gary Player • Trevor Immelman • Augusta National • Augusta National Golf Club

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Tiger Woods Starts Strong, Ignores Plane Banner

He doesn't appear rusty on the front nine

Tiger Beats Crowds to Augusta

Scandal-battered golfer gets in some early practice for the Masters

Why Tiger's Comeback Is Sexist

Inside Woods' much-hyped Masters comeback

Tiger Woods Out for a Month

Surgery on left knee won't keep him out of US Open

A Green Jacket for Immelman

28-year-old South African leads all four rounds, on way to 3-shot vwin over Woods

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?