The 23-year-old amateur golfer from Singapore has sunk a hole-in-one in history. This makes him the first player from his home country to ever play in the elite level Masters’ tournament. Though he played well, he missed the cut after posting a 5-over par 77 in round two. He shot a 78 and advanced to match play on a score of six-over 150. That proved insufficient to qualify for the weekend play at Augusta National Golf Club.
Ranked 50th in the World Amateur golf rankings, Tai proved he belongs on the international stage. He earned his Masters berth by winning the NCAA individual national championship last May. This victory held the promise of his unique talent and iron will. As a student at Georgia Tech, Tai is a top scholar, fully committed to his studies. Simultaneously, he is an accomplished and passionate serious golfer, an inspiringly impressive commitment to both crafts.
Early Beginnings and Journey to Augusta
Born in Japan, Hiroshi Tai was first ushered into golfing life with his first lesson at just four years old. His parents encouraged his passion by bringing him to the Bukit range at Singapore Island Country Club. This combination of grit and grace would serve as an early—and important—foundation for his long and storied career in the sport. He’s a 2019 high school graduate from Florida. Then, to further serve his country and demonstrate his commitment toward becoming an athlete, he pledged two years of active duty service with the Republic of Singapore Navy before attending college.
His trip to Augusta was no small feat, as his greatest success includes his win at the NCAA championship. This monumental achievement not only put a global spotlight on his talent but established a new standard for Singaporean golfers. Tai’s first entry into the Masters was a historic achievement for Singapore’s golf scene. It left a legacy of pride, hope and inspiration among future generations of athletes.
Performance at the Masters
During the first round of the Masters, Tai put on a show. He ended up at one-over par, 73 on the card. His stellar play put him in contention to be the top amateur. The second round was much more difficult. He closed with a five-over par 77, making him six-over 150 for the week. Despite missing the cut, Tai finished as the second-highest amateur in the field, with Justin Hastings claiming the top amateur position.
The intense, high-pressure Masters environment provided Tai with invaluable experience. He helps them focus on what really matters — working tirelessly to improve their craft. He thanked everyone involved in allowing them to compete on such a big stage. One thing is for sure, he doesn’t wanna repeat this mistake again.
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