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Michigan State golfer James Piot talks experience at The Masters

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

James Piot earned the experience of a lifetime. This year, the Michigan State golfer was one of six amateurs to compete in the field at The Masters, one of the most unique opportunities in sports.

Piot shot a 2-over-par 74 in the second round at Augusta National on Friday, but he was unable to make the weekend cut after carding an 81 in Thursday’s first 18. Still, the Michigan State senior is incredibly grateful for the chance to compete in the most prestigious tournament in golf.

“This was the experience of a lifetime and I can’t thank the people at Augusta National and all of the fans for making this a week I will never forget,” Piot said. “It was an honor to represent Michigan State at the cathedral of golf. I didn’t play the way I hoped I would, but getting the chance to play in a group with Hideki (Matsuyama) and Justin (Thomas) was incredible and such a learning experience for me.”

Piot wasn’t the only one representing Michigan State at Augusta National on Thursday and Friday. He asked Spartans associate head golf Dan Ellis to caddy for the tournament.

“I want to thank Dan Ellis for being on the bag with me this week,” Piot said. “He was with me during the U.S. Amateur and he’s someone I know and I trust and it was just fantastic to have him here. The support I’ve had from Casey (Lubahn), my family and my friends made this an experience unlike anything else.

“I’m a college kid who got to play The Masters and stay at Augusta National. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB