Ralph Howe (1988)

Ralph Howe went into the 1988 season with a lofty goal, to earn an invitation to The Masters. While it was quite the aspiration, the determination to reach that goal showed and ultimately led to Howe becoming Player of the Year, and taking a trip to Augusta the next spring.

Howe’s journey started across the pond where he made it to the quarterfinals of the British Amateur, reassuring his claims that he could compete with the best Amateurs on the highest level. He returned with confidence and took home second place at that year’s Ike Championship.

The pivotal part of Howe’s season included trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to compete in the U.S Public Links Championship- his last chance to receive an invitation to Augusta. After a hard-fought battle, Howe chipped in for a birdie on the final hole of the championship and came out victorious. Not only did he achieve his season long goal, he made history in the process being the first left-hander to win a USGA National Championship.

Howe finished his season with a runner-up performance at the New York State Amateur and a victory at the Mid-Atlantic Amateur. He clinched the Player of the Year title with 938, easily outdistancing the rest of the competition.