VOICE OF THE TOUR

Me k eronk

Two-time DP World Tour winner

P W r winnnner orld Tou o imp main ain mprove m my wo rld ld y m a ain go als wa s t to i m al or th li me to qua rs. I’ve the Masters alw w ays ys s ualif y ’ of th e year s eve e r s inc nc eI e I e w wa s h e d it on te l e visio n. I h ave so o m a ny gre at t e nt in that respec t, like T ige e r Wood s’ s chi p-i i n v a bl e s h ot a alw ays stan d s out in min d till g - it es o y tim so m any tim o on re peat gi ves me o t opp incredredible The o pp opportunit y pla o p lay ay yea r is i nc oks ad d my own chapte r to the histo ry bo w e e k. d

Last year one of my main goals was to improve my world ranking to enable me to qualify for the Masters. I’ve always been a massive fan of the year’s first Major ever since I was young having watched it on television. I have so many great memories of the event in that respect, like Tiger Woods’ chip-in on 16. That unbelievable shot always stands out in my mind and I’ve watched it so many times on repeat - it still gives me goosebumps now. The opportunity to play this year is incredible and hopefully I can add my own chapter to the history books there with a great week.

However, qualifying for Augusta hasn’t been an easy task. At the start of last year I was ranked 172nd in the world so I knew I needed a good season if I was to qualify for the event in the near future. Fortunately I started the year strong with several top ten finishes before finally getting over the line at the Horizon Irish Open. That really lifted a weight off my shoulders and suddenly the prospect of getting a Masters invite in the near future wasn’t so out of reach. I was full of confidence.

I made the decision at the back end 2022 to then travel down to Australia for two events to help my chances even more. At the time my main goal was to climb even further up the World Ranking, and fortunately I managed to win. Triumphing at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open was an amazing feeling, especially as I was playing alongside home favourites Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee on the final day with huge crowds. I finished the year ranked 48th in the world so just inside the top 50 cut off line –what a result!

The official green invite to play Augusta arrived at my house the day before Christmas so the timing was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have wished for a better present, and I was very excited. As a professional golfer, playing in the Masters is the pinnacle of our sport and to finally get the opportunity is incredible. The invite itself is now at my parents’ house on their shelf for all the family to see. Everyone is very proud.

I’m also fly i ng fo r Po lish fi rst our co untry exc untry t try to eve th supe r super exc the M as ave ave this hav e this accolade, an , and I spire fu ations e nd inspi r f rom our nation to try t a common sport within he g ame. It’s not Pol a n d, ke popul a r. The helpin g to ma

I’m also flying the flag for Polish golf as the first player from our country to ever play in the Masters. It’s super exciting to have this accolade, and I hope to inspire future generations from our nation to try the game. It’s not a common sport within Poland, but hopefully I’m helping to make it more popular. The support back home’s been great from everyone. I was even recognised in Poland’s Sports Personality of the Year in 2022 as I finished seventh. I hope to keep the momentum I have going and continue making everyone happy.

However, I’m still heading to Augusta to compete with the best along with the aim to win a Green Jacket. It’s one of my greatest achievements to qualify, but I’m there because I earned it. I need to make the most of this opportunity and see if I can now win my first Major. I’ve put the practice in as well as recently spending a few weeks adjusting to life on the PGA Tour competing in some big, iconic events. It’s been a useful experience in getting adjusted to the courses, the environment and just the different way things are over in America, but I’m ready to compete on the biggest stage.

My game is feeling as good as it’s ever felt with two wins under my belt in the last 12 months. I played well in the Middle East at the start of 2023 too, so it’s set to be an interesting year for me with Ryder Cup selection also a possibility. I’m feeling confident going to Augusta and I can’t wait to experience everything that place has to offer. From the azaleas to the fans, I’m honoured to part of another historic tournament. It’s a dream come true and an experience I will never forget, but I’m heading there with a competitive spirit. I’m heading there to win.

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