At Masters, kids get a glimpse of their golf idols – and maybe an autograph

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Roped off at Augusta National Golf Club’s signature event, you’ll find a place to get signatures.

Maybe even a fist bump.

It’s a spot just for those 16 and under near the driving range.

At the Masters, kids line the practice area to get a look at their idols, and maybe an autograph.

The players are very obliging, often coming over to greet their young fans and talk to them.

Bryson DeChambeau especially has a big following, and he comes over to visit with the kids whenever he can.

This week, Spain’s José María Olazábal made a young lady’s day by going into the stands to give her a golf club.

That special place is where 13 year-olds Chase Langston and Joe Brett Sullivan started their day on Saturday on what you could call a mulligan.

“I was supposed to come last year, but I got in a bad accident and I wasn’t able to walk here,” Sullivan said.

You wouldn’t know it if not for the scar on the competitive go-kart racer’s leg.

“I mean, I should. I should have broke my back, but I didn’t,” Sullivan said. “I should be paralyzed right now.”

Instead, he was about to walk Augusta National with his best friend since kindergarten.

“When I found out he was in the hospital, like he was getting the surgery, I was actually really scared,” Langston said.

Sullivan has needed two other surgeries since.

“I could have lost my best friend,” Langston said.

But his best friend is still racing, and Langston supports him.

Sullivan loves it – which is why his mother supports him, too.

“She’s like, ‘Alright. I’m not going to stop you. I mean, I want to stop you, but I’m not,’” he said.

Chasing a dream takes risk, whether it’s on a dirt track or on golf’s biggest stage.

It’s a sign you can’t always play it safe.

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