Optometrists possess many special skills and interests, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone that matches the level of Mr Matthew McClean from Northern Ireland who briefly led the 2023 Masters over the weekend.
The 29-year-old trained optometrist found himself leading the 87th Masters in the early stages of his Augusta debut, teeing off in the second group Thursday 6 April before many of the big names.
He reportedly birdied the first and fourth holes, sitting -2 through four holes, putting him in the lead for a short period.
McClean became eligible for the major golf tournament by winning the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
In the lead up to the tournament, he told The Guardian that it remains to be seen whether optometry or golf will be his career focus in 2024.
“I went to school, did my degree then worked for a couple of years,” he said.
“The plan in 2018 was to take some time out to play golf. I was looking at four years to play, practise then take a decision over whether to turn pro. COVID changed things obviously in 2020 and 2021. Basically, I’ve got this year; if I’m turning pro it would be at the end of this year. It’s very much an ‘if’.
“With some invites for professional events next year, I may well take them up and give that a go. If there’s no invites and it’s a case of starting from the bottom, then I won’t do it. I won’t be going to mini-tours and doing all that stuff.”
At the Masters, McClean ultimately missed the cut, shooting 74 (+7) after two rounds. The tournament was ultimately won by Spaniard Mr Jon Rahm (-12).
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