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Seeing The Power Of Green Firsthand

AP File Photo

Immelman reacts after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club.

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 17, 2009

PALM HARBOR - Ask Trevor Immelman. It's very cool being the defending Masters champion.

The title brings fame, respect, a heck of a payday and the impeccable fashion sense.

"I will never forget landing in Japan. I wasn't wearing the jacket, but had it in my suit bag," said the South African who held off runner-up Tiger Woods by three shots last year at Augusta National. "Down at the baggage claim, I was recognized by some golf fans in Japan.

"When they realized that I was carrying the green jacket with me, I mean those guys started crying. My caddie and I were like, 'Wow, this is out of the ordinary,' but I realized the mystique and history that goes with Augusta."

In three weeks Immelman will be back at Augusta to defend the title that changes careers. But this week he'll be at Innisbrook Resort to compete in the Transitions Championship, an appearance the 29-year-old sees as a good play-in to the season's first major.

"It's a long, demanding golf course from a ball-striking point of view," he said. "That's why it's a good road leading into a major championship - because that's what you find at major championships. You have to be on your game, all phases. You have to hit the ball solidly and have your short-game skills."

Immelman will be center stage this week. At the end of last season he signed an endorsement deal with Transitions Optical and has been busy promoting the tournament.

Look for the guy in green.

"I've tried to be mindful of where I take the jacket, only to specific galas and events where it would be appropriate," he said. "There's such a tremendous amount of respect for the green jacket that I really have no problem with people coming and looking at it and touching it - on occasion trying it on.

"People are in such awe of the green jacket and the history behind it. I think it's a real nice touch for people to feel like they're a part of it."

Since posting an 8-under 280 at Augusta last year, Immelman has finished in the top-10 just twice, losing a playoff to Justin Leonard at the Stanford St. Jude Championship and tying for 10th in the Tour Championship.

A lot comes with a Masters title.

"At home, nothing ever changes," Immelman said. "I'm far more interested in making sure I'm a great father and husband. But, professionally, a lot of things change.

"What I've had to get used to is being able to set my schedule accordingly, build in time - media wanting to talk to me, having to stop for fans more regularly to take photos and sign autographs. Initially that was a huge difference because I wasn't accustomed to it."

Reporter Mick Elliott can be reached at (813) 281-2534.

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