For Hallett, The Master's Holds A Special Memory
For any player or fan of golf, the opportunity to attend the Master's Golf Tournament would be a dream come true. But to actually drive up Magnolia Lane to the clubhouse at Augusta National as a participant in perhaps the most prestigious golf tournament's in the world, is an opportunity for the top professional golfers in the world and only a few select Amateurs each spring.
For Bryant University golf alum Jim Hallett '83, it was an opportunity that he was fortunate enough to experience during a magical senior season 37 years ago as a member of the Bryant golf team.
ONE OF THE BEST AMATEURS IN THE NATION
Hallett, who grew up on Cape Cod, was a standout hockey player growing up, but it was as a member of the Bryant golf team under the guidance of the late Archie Boulet where Hallett found the most success.
During a span of three months in the summer of 1982 heading into his senior year at Bryant, Hallett became the first New Englander in 25 years to reach the semifinal round of the U.S. Amateur Championship; became the first player in 36 years to win both the New England and Mass Amateur titles in the same year; finished in a first place tie in his first amateur tournament, the Northeast Amateur held annually at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, RI, and was the low amateur in each of the four New England Open tournaments.
At the U.S. Amateur Championship, which was played locally at the Country Club in Brookline, Mass, Hallett reached the semifinals of the tournament thanks to four match-play victories. In the semifinals, Hallett's tournament run would come to an end on the 18th hole as Virginia's Dave Tolley sank a 40-foot putt to claim the victory. However, by finishing in the top four of the championship, Hallett was awarded a berth in the Master's Tournament that would take place later that spring.
1983 MASTER'S TOURNAMENT
As the Bryant golf team returned from Florida following the program's annual spring trip, Hallett would make the trek over to Augusta to take part as an entrant in the Master's Tournament.
Despite being one of only a few amateurs competing alongside the best professional golfers in the world on a course famous for its azaleas, Rae's Creek and Amen Corner, Hallett was anything but intimated.
In the opening round, Hallett carded a 4-under par 68 to finished just one shot back of the leader. Thanks to a strong start on the front nine of the second round, Hallett at one point led the tournament after 28 holes. He would continue to play well for the remainder of the tournament, and after finishing with back-to-back scores of 78, Hallett placed 40th place overall and finish first as the low amateur for the tournament.
Hallett would turn professional in 1983 and would qualify as a full-time tour player on the PGA from 1988 to 1993. He would have several top-10 finishes during his professional career, but that stroll around Augusta National during the spring of 1983, just may be the most memorable of his career.