O'meara basks in glow of Masters win

By Rick Alonzo, On-line Forty-Niner

May 13,1998

 

 

Long Beach State alumnus sheds light on most important tournament win of his career

 

Eighteen years after graduating from Long Beach State, Mark O'Meara stood on the final green at Augusta National - but this time, with an opportunity to win.

 

In his 14 previous tries at golf's most prestigious tournament, The Masters, he had finished in the top 10 just once. But on this April day, O'Meara stood on the brink of victory. One problem: his ball lay 20 feet from the hole.

 

O'Meara solved the problem with one stroke. The shot dropped into the cup and simultaneously erased his title of Best Player Never to Have Won a Major.

 

"It's the icing on top of the cake," said the soft-spoken O'Meara of his professional career. "It was a dream come true."

 

O'Meara's pro career has spanned more than 17 years. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. O'Meara said he attended Long Beach because it was close to his Mission Viejo home.

 

But he cited then-49er coach Don Reed as a tremendous influence on his decision to attend Long Beach.

O'Meara competed on the 49er golf team from 1976-79 and said he has "fond memories" of those years. Although the PGA Tour brings him to the West Coast frequently, O'Meara lives in Orlando, Fla., and said he has not visited the campus in years.

 

O'Meara's success has often been overshadowed by the most successful 22-year-old golfer in the world, Tiger Woods. Masters champion in 1997, Woods dominated Augusta in 1997, shooting a course-record 270.

 

"The way he has played has been tremendous," O'Meara said. "I think he has been a big asset to the game of golf. It was an honor to have him put the green jacket on me, especially after the way he dominated the course last year."

 

O'Meara said he has not had much opportunity to savor his accomplishment.

 

"I haven't had much time to sit down and enjoy what happened," he said. "It has sunk in a little bit. But over time it will sink in a little more.

 

"I've tried to get back to friends and let them know I've appreciated their support. Mostly, I'm just happy The 41-year-old said he is looking forward to success in the future.

 

"I'm going to try to keep playing well," O'Meara said. "I hope to spend some time with my family and then get ready for the U.S. Open."