Yu's couch dreams turn Augusta reality

Kevin Yu really sent his alarm clock at around midnight for four days every April to watch the Masters Tournament live on TV.

- CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

At times, his father, who was a golf teacher, would join him on the couch in time for when the leaders were marching down the back nine, and they would occasionally imagine themselves walking along the hallowed turf at Augusta National.

This week, the 26-year old Yu will finally realise his childhood dream when he makes his Masters debut start ing today.

A former world amateur No.1, Yu won the Sanderson Farms Championship for his first PGA Tour title last October to earn a coveted Masters invi tation, and will join a select group from Taiwan including T.C. Chen, Liang Huan, Chen brothers, TC and TM, Lin Wentang and CT Pan, who have played in the prestigious tournament.

"It still feels unbelievable honestly, just because I've been dreaming of play ing in the Masters since I started play ing golf. I've watched Tiger Woods win so many Masters and the whole history. I've watched the Masters all night since I was young and knowing I'm actually getting to play in the tournament is lit erally a dream come true. I'm really excited," said Yu.