Golf-Masters-Player's lift helps Immelman to major breakthrough

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 14 (Reuters) - First lifted by fellow South African Gary Player at the tender age of five, Trevor Immelman fittingly rewarded the support of his boyhood idol by winning his maiden major title at the U.S. Masters.

The 28-year-old Immelman achieved a lifelong dream with a gritty display in gruelling, windy conditions at Augusta National, becoming the first South African to clinch the green jacket since Player himself in 1978.

Player, who has long compared Immelman's swing with golfing great Ben Hogan, spurred on the young South African with a timely telephone message on the eve of Sunday's final round.

Immelman duly delivered, after surviving a white-knuckle day of intense pressure and damage limitation when the swirling winds gusted up to 50kph through the towering pines at Augusta National.

"I've always dreamed about winning majors and, deep down, I always thought I was good enough," a relieved but joyful Immelman told reporters after signing off with a three-over-par 75 for a three-stroke victory.

"But at times you obviously doubt yourself because you miss a few cuts and you screw up a few times. You're just like: 'Man, maybe I'm not as good, or not good enough.'

"Just to be a major champion, a champion here at the Masters, that's what I've dreamed about since I was a very young man. I'm living proof that if you work hard and believe in yourself, it can happen."

Immelman, who led the tournament in driving accuracy and was second in greens in regulation, paid tribute to the lifelong support he has received from nine-times major winner Player.