‘It’s going to be amazing’: Matt McClean embraces Masters after amateur win

Belfast optometrist McClean goes to Augusta with hopes of making the cut in a year that will be pivotal to his prospects of turning pro

PREPARATION: Matt McClean prepares at his home course, Malone Golf Club in Belfast, for the AIG Irish Men's Amateur Irish Close Championship

It started in an Airbnb in rural Wisconsin. Matt McClean’s journey will continue with a Thursday tee time at Augusta National. At the age of 29 McClean is determined to relish rubbing shoulders with the world’s best at the 87th Masters.

McClean’s victory at the US Mid-Amateur Championship last September earned him a Masters spot. The Belfast player – McClean is attached to Malone Golf Club – travelled to Erin Hills with his fellow Irishman Hugh Foley. The pair ended up meeting in the final for the highest of stakes; McClean is also now eligible for June’s US Open.