Inside look at the Masters Tournament: Cory Guzzo following best friend Hudson Swafford
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Wednesday here at the Masters Tournament has always been my favorite.
The anticipation of Round 1 around the corner is high and the Par 3 contest is a special treat for competitors and patrons. Hudson and I have been best friends for going on close to 25 years now, and I’m incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to stay with him this week as he pursues a green jacket at the 2022 Masters.
We started Wednesday with an early morning wake-up and we were out the door of the house he rented for the week by 6:15 a.m. A quick 10-minute drive to Augusta National and we were granted entry down Magnolia Lane to the clubhouse area.
For those unfamiliar with Magnolia Lane, it is a special treat to navigate and something I’ll never forget. It’s just so unbelievable to think that the same guy I played countless rounds of Junior golf with as a kid was able to navigate the rough waters of collegiate, mini tour, and professional golf. Around 90 players compete in the Masters each year and our hometown boy of Tallahassee is one of those lucky few. Truly an incredible feat and very well deserved.
MORE ON SWAFFORD
'Love the crowds': Former Maclay High golfer Swafford eyes Masters Tournament
Last year: Former Maclay golfer Swafford 'can't wait' to compete in The Masters for 2nd time in career
Local golf: Capital City Country Club ranked top course in Tallahassee, 13th best in Florida by Golfweek
Early start for 'Hud'
Hudson wanted to get to the course early to stretch and warm up before he headed onto the course around 8 a.m. for a practice round to try and beat the stormy weather that was bearing down on Augusta. He paired up with Viktor Hovland, currently fourth in the World Golf Rankings, and off they went around 8:15 a.m.
I had taken the courtesy car - a brand new Mercedes Benz GLS450 - back to the house to pick up Hudson’s nearly full-term pregnant wife Katherine (she’s an absolute rock star!). We made it back out to the course and I caught up to “Hud” on the second hole.
In the practice rounds, golfers mostly play a single ball until they get to the green and then they will hit multiple balls around the green, practicing some chips and putts that they may face in the upcoming days. Hudson played well, sparking some cheers from the always classy and respectful patrons at the Masters. He played nine holes then decided to head to the driving range to work on a few things.
Unfortunately, the hated lightning alarm at Augusta National was triggered around 11:30 a.m. and the players and patrons were asked to seek shelter. That put a wrench in our plans as Hudson was planning on playing in the Par 3 Contest shortly after noon. Hudson has had some bad luck in regards to the par 3 contest in his previous appearances, so this was par for the course.
In 2017, weather rained it out and last year it did not take place because of COVID-19, so he was really looking forward to playing and having his beloved mom Jean caddying for him in it. Luckily, the weather cleared up and the Par 3 contest started around 1:30 p.m. Hudson paired up with close friends and fellow UGA teammates Kevin Kisner and Brian Harman. Both Kevin and Brian have multiple kids, so this made for a fun, relaxed pairing where it was more about family than about the players competing.
Son James steals the spotlight
All three players continuously had their kids hit shots on every hole and Hudson and Katherine’s son James, 3, was quite the star. You could continuously hear him yell “Woah” and “Showtime” throughout the round. I sure hope Titleist is stocking Hudson up with balls because James was not afraid to hit plenty of golf balls in the ponds adjoining the beautiful green fairways and greens of Augusta National’s Par 3 course.
Everybody was pretty exhausted after the Par 3 Contest, so most of the crew headed home. I waited for Hudson to finish his post round physiotherapy and then we left the course to go back to the house and rest.
Dinner was catered to the house and the rest of the night was spent eating, reminiscing, and the occasional “hide and seek” game with James filled with 3-year-old belly laughter.
As many who are close to Hudson know, he lost his father David this past December. David was my walking partner many a tournament while watching Hudson over the years. I will miss not having him here Thursday as Hud begins his 2022 Augusta journey. Although, I take peace in knowing that David will be watching over every single footstep and shot that Hudson takes over the upcoming days at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. Hudson tees off at 8:55 a.m. Thursday and is paired with Min Woo Lee and Cameron Young.
Go get em’ Hud!
Editor's note: Cory Guzzo was born and raised in Tallahassee, where he currently works as a lobbyist. Cory and Hudson first met on the junior golf and all-star baseball circuits when they were around 11 years old. They attended Maclay together and played varsity golf. When Hudson went to Georgia and Cory to Florida State, Cory caddied for Hudson at the numerous prestigious amateur golf tournaments Hudson was invited to during the summer. In 2010, Cory caddied for Hudson at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, when he participated as an amateur. Both served roles as groomsmen in each other’s wedding.
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Inside the Masters 2022: Hudson Swafford followed by best friend
