Cameron Young Maintains Sunday Church Ritual Despite Masters Lead
Not even the pursuit of a coveted green jacket could deter devout Catholic Cameron Young from his Sunday religious obligations. The American golfer spectacularly surged into a share of the lead at the prestigious Augusta National after firing a brilliant seven-under 65 during Saturday's third round. This stellar performance sets the stage for a thrilling final day Masters showdown alongside golfing superstar Rory McIlroy.
Unwavering Faith Amidst Golfing Glory
While Young will be praying to the golfing gods at the cathedral of pines during Sunday's final pairing, the 28-year-old professional insisted that his traditional form of worship takes precedence. Following his Players Championship victory last month, Young was observed attending mass with his wife Kelsey and their three young children at a church opposite TPC Sawgrass. He subsequently disclosed that this constitutes a weekly ritual for the family.
"It might, but it's not going to stop us," Young declared when questioned after Saturday's round about whether competing for the green jacket could challenge his religious practice this week. "I don't know where we're going to go yet, but we'll find somewhere and take the kids. We'll be out in full force just like usual."
The Young family, with all three children under five years old, travels extensively wherever the PGA Tour schedule takes them. Despite finding himself on the cusp of his first major championship victory—which would represent the most significant triumph of his career—Young affirmed that his Sunday routine remains unchanged.
Family First Philosophy on Tour
Young elaborated on the importance of maintaining family normalcy amidst the pressures of professional golf. "The biggest thing for me is the fact that it's great to have them out on the road with me," he explained. "I love going home and seeing everybody after whatever day it is. I'd rather go home and see them after a great day, but just having them out on the road is awesome for me."
He continued, "I love having them out and being able to have a more normal job. Instead of saying goodbye for three weeks or four weeks. I go work a long day, but I was with them this morning, and I will see them tonight. It's nice doing that. Yeah, things definitely can be stressful at times, but they're very, very different parts of life for me."
Masters Dream Within Reach
Mentions of the green jacket will undoubtedly occupy Young's thoughts as he offers prayers on Sunday morning. His appeals were certainly answered following Thursday's opening one-over round, which he dramatically transformed into contention.
"It would be an incredible day," Young reflected on the possibility of emerging victorious at Augusta on Sunday. "It's something I've dreamed of doing for a long time. I like the position I'm in. If you had said on Thursday at about noon that I was going to be within a couple of the lead going into Sunday, I would have taken it in a heartbeat, especially given the fact that I was watching Rory play."
He added, "Anytime you're around the lead in a major, especially here, anything can happen. We saw today that a slow start and a hot start can erase a lot. It's just kind of a matter of keeping myself in it tomorrow and doing the best I can to stay around the lead for as long as possible, and you see what happens at the end."
Historical Omen and Fan Dynamics
An intriguing historical pattern emerges as the last two Players Championship winners have proceeded to claim Masters glory, potentially serving as a favorable omen for Young. However, the American acknowledges he won't enter as the favorite when teeing off alongside reigning champion Rory McIlroy.
"I don't get the sense I'll be the fan favorite," he conceded. "But yeah, I feel like the support, some fans that cheer for me have gotten louder over the last year. It will still be lopsided, I think. Rory's kind of a world favorite in the golf world."
As Sunday dawns at Augusta National, Cameron Young will first locate the nearest church for morning mass with his family before turning his attention to the monumental task of challenging for golf's most prestigious prize alongside one of the sport's global icons.
