Augusta, Ga .— Course knowledge is supposed to be vital at Augusta National. That's why older players like Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer so often play well at the Masters, and why Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson so often seem revived by the tournament.
Abraham Ancer doesn't have much course knowledge. He is playing in his first Masters, and he enters the final round at 12 under, tied for second and playing in the final group Sunday with Dustin Johnson and Sungjae Im.
Saturday, he shot a 69 for his third straight round under 70, then joked his way through an interview.
Asked to describe his home course in Reynoso, Mexico, Ancer said: "It's just like this."
Then he laughed and said, "No, I mean, nothing like this. But it's a super special place. That's where I learned how to play the game. I love going back there. Actually, I think it's a great layout. It's just there's really not enough members or money to keep it up. And it's very hot, so it's tough. But the food is incredible."
Last Sunday, Ancer, 29, spent time he could have spent practicing at Augusta National sitting in the plush clubhouse, watching countryman Carlos Ortiz win the Vivent Houston Open, which qualifies Ortiz for the 2021 Masters.
Ancer's father moved him from Reynoso to McAllen, Texas, which is right across the border, so Ancer could attend high school in the United States. Ancer received one scholarship offer — to Odessa Junior College in West Texas.
He played well enough to attract the attention of Oklahoma. As a professional he has two victories — one on the Korn Ferry Tour and one on the PGA Australasia.