'Love the crowds, love the roars': Former Maclay High golfer Swafford eyes Masters Tournament
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Hudson Swafford couldn't be better.
For starters, Swafford — a nine-year PGA Tour member and former Maclay star — is relatively healthy after dealing with injuries the past few years. In January, Swafford captured his third PGA Tour victory when he won The American Express for the second time in five years. And, off the course, Swafford and wife Katherine are expecting their second child later this month.
"Everything has been great, especially with back-to-back winning seasons," Swafford said. "Doing a lot of good stuff and it's paying off which is nice. It (win) can free your schedule up a little more. You don't have to chase tournaments, which helps you stay a little bit more fresh."
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'My Super Bowl' is at Augusta National Golf Club
Swafford, 34, has another big reason to be excited this week.
He's making his third appearance in the 86th Masters, which is scheduled to begin Thursday in Augusta, Georgia. After missing the cut in 2017 and 2021, Swafford is looking for a better result at Augusta National Golf Club. He finished tied for 58th in the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio last week, shooting 1-under par.
"Growing up in the Southeast, the Masters is kind of like my Super Bowl," said Swafford, who played collegiate golf at the University of Georgia and is a St. Simons Island, Georgia, residence. "This is the mecca of all tournaments. I will have family and friends there, everyone is looking forward to it.
"I love the crowds. Love the roars. Let's see if we can get hot and get it going this year."
Additionally, the Masters beloved Par 3 contest is scheduled to return Wednesday after a two-year absence due to COVID-19. First held in 1960 and won by Sam Snead, the nine-hole contest is played every Wednesday before the official tournament starts Thursday.
Now known as a family affair and noted for its charm, the contest features nine holes that measure from 70 to 140 yards. Swafford's wife Katherine was his caddie in 2017; his mother, Jean Swafford, will caddy for him Wednesday.
Described as part competition, part stress relief, the sight of wives, girlfriends, parents, children and grandchildren outfitted in Augusta National jumpsuits - carrying a light bag, tending the flag stick or attempting to make a putt - brings smiles to all involved.
Swafford laughed and said his mom's primary duty will be to make sure his toddler son James doesn't attempt to jump in DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike's Pond on the course.
"He loves to go look at ducks," Jean Swafford said and laughed. "I am really looking forward to it. It's a fun, family event where everyone can participate."
Hudson Swafford will also be thinking of his late father this week. David Swafford died last Dec. 6 at age 83. He gave Hudson his first clubs at age 2. David and Jean often traveled to their son's events - including the 2017 Masters - and Swafford dedicated his January win The American Express to his father.
“One of the best people I know and he taught me everything I know,” Swafford said following the tournament. “How to be a dad, how to be a friend, how to be a champion and how to play golf. He’s the one that got me into golf when I was young. He gave me every opportunity to succeed, but never pushed it on me.”
Finding a new driver
Swafford - ranked 79th in the World Golf Rankings - has been working in a new driver after he cracked his old club on the driving range at The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens in February.
It hasn't been an easy transition.
During the PGA Tour's Florida swing, Swafford missed the cut at all three events - The Honda Classic, Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship last month in Jacksonville.
"The Florida stretch was a struggle off the team, which is usually the easiest part of my game," Swafford said. "When my driver broke, I didn't quite have one that ... the ball either spun too much or didn't spin enough. I was missing a bunch of fairways and you can't do that in the Florida stretch, where freeways are a premium."
Currently, Swafford ranks 76th on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy percentage (61.2%) and 54th in hitting greens in regulation (68.67%). He's 28th in driving distance (307.9 yards).
With his new driver in hand, Swafford finished tied for 36th in the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic two weeks ago and in the top-60 in The Valero Texas Open Sunday.
Now it's Masters week, Swafford's favorite time of year.
"I haven't played great the past two times there (Masters), especially with my short game," Swafford said. "You have to do that really well around Augusta. And the short game in the majors is huge. I feel like my short game has improved dramatically, and I am confident with my putter right now. That's always a big advantage.
"I am excited. I just love Augusta."
HUDSON SWAFFORD BIO
Joined Tour: Korn Ferry Tour 2012; PGA Tour 2014
Exempt status: PGA TOUR: Tournament winner (thru 2023-24)
PGA TOUR Victories (3)
2016-17: CareerBuilder Challenge
2020-21: Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship (2020)
2021-22: The American Express
Korn Ferry Tour Victories (1)
2012 Season: Stadion Classic at UGA
HIGHLIGHTS
2022 Season: The American Express: Carded a final-round 64 to win The American Express by two strokes, earning his third career PGA TOUR victory and second at The American Express (2017, 2022). Entered the final round trailing by three strokes and closed with an 8-under 64. Victory came in his 205th PGA TOUR start at the age of 34 years, 4 months, 14 days
2021 Season: Won his second PGA TOUR title at the 2020 Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship and qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season, advancing to the BMW Championship and finishing the season No. 36 in the FedExCup standings. Marked his fourth time qualifying for the Playoffs and third appearance in the BMW Championship. Collected three top-10s, including a win and a runner-up, and made 12 cuts in 29 starts.
Career earnings: $9,881,266
- Info compiled from PGA.com
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hudson Swafford of Tallahassee, Florida eyes third Masters Tournament
