The Final 18: With Jack Newman, 2008 Amateur Public Links Champion

Stuart Hall sat down the Jack Newman and asked the newly crowned champion for a few observations.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your game? And given your win, how appreciative are you?

"My father is the greatest influence for me, he started me in the game when I was 5 or 6 and I started hitting balls. I can’t say how thankful I am. “

Q: What did you learn about yourself or your game this week?

"Learned that I had some nerves that I did’nt have before. Learned to cope with some pressure that I had not had to cope with before. And just that t

Q: Can you name the last amateur to win the Masters?

"No … “

Jack Newman, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa celebrates a made putt on No. 7. (John Mummert/USGA)

Q: What do you know about the Crow’s Nest?
"Nothng. Somewhere the amateurs go?” [Told yes]. “Great, that’s awesome.”

Q: Will you be ribbed or patted on the back by your collegiate teammates when you arrive back on campus?

"A little bit of both, especially from the underclassmen. They’ll think they can rib on me, but they will get dealt with.

Q: What is your favorite Masters moment?

"I’m going to have to be cliché, but I’m going to have to say Tiger [Woods] chipping in on No. 16.”

Q: Can you name the last U.S. Amateur champion at Pinehurst No. 2?

"I think you’re trying to stump me again. I have no clue. [Answer Labron Harris].

Q: After a victory, do you have a favorite meal? If so, what will it be?

"Nope. Never was into that type of stuff. Whatever is good.”

Q: What do you think is the over-under on your championship text/voicemail messages after this championship win:  31?

"It’s over that, I know already.”

Q: Has it sunk in”

"No. No way. It might take some time.”

Q: Now what?

"Go back, hang out with the fam and then get ready for the Western and U.S. Amateur.

Q: Best shot of the week? When and why?

"I would say on the 20th hole against Corey Nagy when I stuffed it within a foot and a half, but then he dropped a 50-foot bomb on me. That one was the best to have kept me in the match. … Scratch that, it was a 20-footer against Billy Horschel to extend my match against him [in Thursday’s third round.on the 20th hole.”

Q: Did reigning Masters champion Trevor Immelman ever win a U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship?

"Ten years ago.”

Q: What is the one indulgence you will allow yourself after winning this championship?

"I’m not 21 so it won’t be any of that. It’s going to have to be some sweets.”

Jack Newman, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa, admires his drive from the 4th tee. (John Mummert/USGA)

Q: Where will you display your medal?

 "Probably back  at home. I know my dad will want to display it to as many people as possible.”

Q: Given that the world’s Nos. 1 and 2 ranked amateur players were in the field, what does this victory do for you in terms of confidence?

"Shows that I can compete with them, and it boosts it a lot.”

Q: What is it about golf that you enjoy?

"Just for the competition, to beat other people. Just to get respect.”

Q: You have played essentially nine rounds of golf in six days, how tired are you and what will you do to relax?

"It’s a lot of golf. More mentally than anything because you’re out there for three days of 36 holes of match play and every shot matters.”