Rising star Flanagan prepares for learning curve

Nick Flanagan was inspired by Tiger Woods’ sensational performance at the 1997 Masters to take up golf himself.

Six years later the teenager from Newcastle, New South Wales, is the US Amateur champion and will tee off at Augusta this April alongside defending champion Mike Weir.

Few in Australia had ever heard of Flanagan before news filtered back from Oakmont, Pennsylvania, last August that he had withstood the challenge of America’s finest to land one of the most prestigious prizes in amateur golf.

While mention of Flanagan’s name outside Australia may still provoke a raised eyebrow and shrug of the shoulders, if the 19-year-old son of a coal-miner continues his remarkable rise it will not stay that way for long.

Tomorrow he will be competing just north of his hometown as the only amateur in the ANZ Championship.

“I have played only three professional events in my life and I have made the cut in two,” said Flanagan today, back in his old stamping ground.

“I’m pretty happy how it’s going now. I’m enjoying the tournaments, not so much the extra attention – but I can’t complain about what has happened over the last couple of months.

“I’m getting good groups in big events. It’s been good so far, and I’ve learned a lot.”

Flanagan’s victory over home favourite and USA Walker Cup member Casey Wittenberg ensured he became the second-youngest US amateur champion ever, second only to Woods.

At 7.15 the morning before his dramatic play-off triumph, Flanagan was on the practice range when he was handed a telegram.

“From one Aussie to another,” it read.

“I wish you well tomorrow. Be the first Australian to win the title in 100 years. Play loose and play smart. Sincerely, Greg Norman.”

Even so, he was tense. With shaking hands, Flanagan missed a putt to allow Wittenberg to force a play-off before the Australian sank the winner on the 37th hole of the final to succeed Ricky Barnes as champion.

The American, who finished 21st at the 2003 Masters to record the lowest total by an amateur in five years, will play alongside Flanagan in the opening two rounds of the ANZ Championship.

“Nick and I played at the Aussie Open (last December), and we are playing here again this week,” said Barnes, dripping with sweat as temperatures hovered around 100 degrees.

“Nick is a good guy. He has a good game and is a pretty long hitter for his stature.

“I told him I wished him the best. He is going to see some greens he has never seen before at the Masters.

“I was a lot like him in my amateur career, not the biggest favourite. All my stuff started coming forth when winning the US amateur, then playing well in the Masters and the US Open. That’s how you build the stature.”

All that awaits Flanagan, but he will have to become more used to the glare of public and media attention if he follows Barnes’ path to success in professional and major events.

That path will take Flanagan back to America – and a week before his Masters debut he will meet British amateur champion Gary Wolstenholme in the Georgia Cup, an effective play-off to find the world’s finest.

Barnes explains how important it is to travel and experience a variety of courses, a policy taken by 23-year-old Australian Adam Scott which led to Nick Faldo describing him as a major-winner of the future.

Barnes missed the cut at the Heineken Classic last week but will play the ANZ before returning to America for three weeks on the USPGA Tour.

“You get world exposure; you experience more golf courses; you have to think harder – and it matures you,” said Barnes.

But Flanagan, as Norman urged, already ‘plays smart’ – particularly for a 19-year-old. He is on the verge of making a name for himself in the game, a name that should soon be known the world over.