Posted April 7, 2014, 6:23 pm
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Australian Matt Jones rushes to Augusta after qualifying

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Matt Jones secured his Masters invitation with a 42-yard chip shot Sunday to win the Houston Open.

Matt Jones hasn’t had much time for sleep the past two days, but his excitement is still strong after a hectic experience to get to Augusta.

Jones holed a 42-yard chip on the first playoff hole Sunday to win the Houston Open, his first career victory. This was after making a 46-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to tie Matt Kuchar.

“I don’t even know if I can remember (the past 24 hours),” Jones said. “It’s been a whirlwind.

“I didn’t get a lot of sleep, and I think I still have a bit of adrenaline going. It was a great day.”

The chip-in earned Jones the final invite to the 2014 Masters Tournament. It’s not only his Masters debut but it’s also the first time he has set foot on the course.

The Australian said he didn’t get to the course until Monday afternoon. He plans to drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time today.

He said he will play Wednesday with 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott, the first Australian to win the tournament.

“I was at home watching it, and I was elated,” Jones said of last year’s event. “It was amazing. The way he celebrated, I’m sure it gave all Australians goose bumps, and gives them to me now just thinking about it.”

Jones’ win was only his second top-five finish. He has 17 top-10 finishes in seven years. The win is his first top-10 finish this year, but he has made nine cuts in 12 events, including four top-25 finishes.

“The win is huge,” he said. “I’ve played golf my whole life, and our whole aim when you play golf is to win. Every time you tee it up to play golf is to win, and that’s the same thing coming here. My goal is to win.”

Matt Jones

Australian Matt Jones rushes to Augusta after qualifying

From AugustaChronicle.com »

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