Christiaan Maas stood on the first tee in anticipation of the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Champion last month in South Africa.
Ernie Els was also on the tee, one of the most admired South African golfers ever. Former world No. The former world No. 1 with four major titles, is now 53 and in the decline of his stellar career. Maas, a Texas freshman, is just at the beginning of a promising story.
Maas was there alongside Els for the first two days of Leopard Creek in Malelane. He’s a mentor and friend as well as an idol. Maas was T-17 at the DP World Tour event. This caps a great fall, which also included his first semester with the Longhorns.
Maas stated that playing with Ernie was an amazing experience. “All in all, probably one of the most memorable .”
Maas had previously met Els and had spoken with him several times. This was partly because Maas’ coach is close to Els. Maas stated that Els spoke with him about recruiting and was supportive of Maas’ decision to go to Texas.
Maas was T-35 at the DP World Tour South African Open a week before the Alfred Dunhill.
Maas’s brilliant performance at the professional level at age 19 is just one example of his talent. The Fred Haskins Award watchlist was established for Maas, who is the 25th-ranked golfer in World Amateur Golf Ranking. This award, which is given to the best college player after the fall season, recognizes the best golfer. Maas also won the Brabazon trophy at last year’s English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship. He quickly rose to be one of the best amateurs in the country.
But he’s just scratching the surface.
span style=”font weight: 400 He has gotten off to a really great start,” Texas men’s golf coach John Fields stated. He’s a wonderful child. He is loved by everyone in South Africa .”
Fields was able go to South Africa to see Maas compete. He said it was an amazing moment.
Maas also appreciated the support of his coach during the few months he was away from college golf.
Maas took a few weeks off from his appearances on DP World Tour in order to recover and recharge before the start of the college season. Texas is the current national champion. Although the Longhorns experienced a slow start to the fall season Maas doesn’t worry about that.
Maas stated that his goal was to win the national championship. “If we reach match play at NCAAs we’ll definitely have an .”
Maas stated that he hopes to win two college events this spring. In the fall, he finished third at Colonial Country Club’s Ben Hogan Collegiate. This is where the Charles Schwab Challenge of the PGA Tour is contested. He was also 12th at Stephens Cup.
Maas reflects on the adjustments and changes he had to make when playing in the United States, compared to his home. It’s important to hit the fairway and avoid the rough surrounding putting surfaces. He was able to practice in Texas, which helped him quickly adjust.
The spring slate for the Longhorns will begin later in the month at Westlake Village’s Southwestern Invitational. Maas will be looking to build on his low amateur honors from South Africa and make a name for itself.
He’s eyeing a large prize. He’s doing what Gordon Sargent did last season, winning the NCAA title in his freshman year.
Maas stated that the ultimate goal was to have his team in a position where they can match play. “And I hope that this can lead my team to a good place going to match play span>
