Australia’s Matt Jones remains in a whirlwind after his stunning Shell Houston Open victory.
The quietly-spoken Sydney-born golfer rocketed into outer orbit with his success in the NASA based American city of Houston.
He arrived into Augusta Regional Airport at 10.15pm Sunday night local time but for some reason it was not till just after 11pm luggage finally appeared for those travelling from Houston.
Thankfully, Jones and caddy managed to find accommodation in Augusta and sharing Sunday night in the same house as good friend, Kevin Stagler ahead of his wife, his New Jersey-based brother, and also his Sydney arriving parents jetting into Atlanta and then taking the drive down I-20 here to the season’s first Major.
Matt Jones proudly appearing on the Shell Houston Open website.
Jones became the fourth Australian in the past seven events to win on PGA Tour this season.
Not only did victory earn him a cool $US 1.2m but he’s jumped 49 spots to 41st on the World Rankings and, at this stage, the assurance also of competing in all four of the 2014 Majors.
Jones was welcomed to the Masters Media Center and firstly asked to comment on his emotions the last 24 hours?
“I don’t even know if I can remember,” he said smiling.
“It’s been a whirlwind. Finished, chipped in, which I can remember actually, which is a good thing to remember. But then I had to go do all the media and all the family and friends and talking to them.
Matt Jones win Shell Houston open trophy.
“It’s just been amazing trying to get in touch with everyone and get back to everyone from all the texts and phone calls I’ve had and e‑mails, and now organizing family and friends coming to town. It’s going to be a great experience for the first time here.”
Jones’ mobile has been in near meltdown mode with friends, colleagues and family wishing his congratulations.
Among those to shake the Australian’s hand was former Masters Champion, Craig Stadler who along with his son, Kevin are competing together for a first time in the same Masters. The father-and-son duo had been in the Media Center ahead of Jones, and with Craig Stadler coming back to shake Jones’ hand and then to invite him to play a practice round with him Tuesday.
Defending champion Adam Scott was among those who sent a congratulatory text and organizing a Wednesday morning practice round.
And Jones revealed also the reaction from his family and his also his first impressions on getting to Augusta despite not arriving via Magnolia Lane.
“My mom was crying and drinking champagne when I phoned her last night,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming for them. They have been through a lot (laughter).
“Unfortunately, I didn’t drive down it. I had no idea where I was going, so I had to follow Stadler. I was following Kevin, actually, because I stayed with him last night. He had to go to the caddie area, so I followed him to the right so I never drove down. So I’ll get to do that tomorrow.
“And I just walked into the clubhouse here. It’s awkward when you don’t know where you’re going because every TOUR event, you walk in and know exactly what you’re doing. So you walk around here, and I’m not quite sure where to go or what doors I can go in or out of.
Matt Jones handed the Shell Houston Open trophy by former US President George Bush.
“And as for the first player I bumped into, it was probably Stads. No, I can’t, to be honest.
“So to be here now it huge. The win is huge. I played golf my whole life, and our whole aim when you play golf is to win.
“Every time you tee it up to play golf is to win, and that’s the same thing coming here. My goal is to win. I’m a rookie. It doesn’t happen too often, but I’ve been playing great and I’m playing against the same guys I do every week and I’ve beaten them before. It’ll be a good week.”
Jones, like Jason Day before him today, was also quizzed if he thought his success in the Lone Star State, had anything to do with a ‘feel good’ factor that has gripped Australian golf in the wake of Scott’s 2013 Masters success.
“It always does when I see an Australian win, especially Bowdo won the week before me,” he said.
“I saw Bowdo win and I thought, why couldn’t that be me the week of Houston, which luckily enough it was. Seeing Jason win in Melbourne at the World Cup, I think it was, and the Match Play; it’s just good to see your fellow countrymen do it and it gives you hope that you can do it.”
