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Posted April 3, 2016, 4:47 pm |

One Direction singer draws attention at Augusta National

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    One Direction singer draws attention at Augusta National
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    One Direction member Niall Horan autographs a flag Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Spring break couldn’t have started much better for Sara Beth Trotter.

The Augusta 10-year-old was standing near the practice range when her favorite One Direction member suddenly appeared.

Photos: Players and celebs arrive at Augusta National

“I didn’t even know Niall (Ho­ran) would be here,” the star-struck girl said. “I can’t believe that just happened.”

Trotter’s grandfather is a member at Augusta National Golf Club and took a photo of Horan with his granddaughter.

“It’s definitely going in a frame,” the Episcopal Day School student said.

This is Horan’s second year in a row at the Masters Tournament. In 2015, the Irish pop star caddied for Rory McIlroy during the Par-3 Contest and stayed through the final round.

This year has already been more memorable. According to Horan’s Instagram page, he played Augusta National on Friday and Saturday. His post stated, “Can’t believe I’m saying this as it’s a lifelong dream of mine but I had the absolute honor of playing 46 holes over the last two days at Augusta National. An experience I will never ever forget.”

Horan returned Sunday to attend the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship finals. He made small talk with fans while signing Mas­ters flags, cups, hats and pairing sheets.

Beth Spencer, 23, of Marietta, Ga., got an autograph from Ho­ran moments before he left the practice range area.

“I’m still shaking,” she said. “Am I too old to say that? Look, I know I’m not a teenager but that was still a really cool moment.”

 

WATCHING THE FUTURE: Among the Masters participants watching the Drive, Chip and Putt finals was Billy Horschel, who said he’s attended the competition each of the past three years.

“I love coming to it,” said Hor­schel, who is competing in his third Masters. “I saw one girl hit it 220 yards, and that was into the wind.”

Horschel missed the cut at the Masters last year. In 2014 – his first appearance – he tied for 37th.

Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champ, and first-time Masters participant Kevin Kisner also took in some action from the driving range.

 

PRIZED AUTOGRAPH: Stephanie Su, 13, held a trophy in one hand and a flag in the other. It was clear which one she valued more.

“This will hang in a room by itself,” the Drive, Chip and Putt competitor said of the flag signed by three-time Masters champ Gary Player. “Today has truly been the best day ever.”

The Chicago girl claimed first place for 12-13 girls in the putting competition. At the award ceremony, Player presented the teenager with her award.

Moments later, she asked him for a photo and autograph.

“I’m happy I won, but I already felt like a champion by just making it this far,” Su said. “There’s no question that meeting a legend like Gary Player means more than this trophy.”

 

HANDSHAKE WITH HOLTZ: Stephen Tate was sitting at the practice area when a familiar face in a green jacket briskly walked by.

“I kind of jumped up,” said Tate, 39, of Atlanta. “I couldn’t believe it was Lou Holtz.”

Tate shook hands with the former football coach, who led Notre Dame to the 1988 national championship. Holtz, a member of Au­gusta Na­tio­nal, was on hand for the Drive, Chip and Putt competition.

“It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Tate said. “People say Augusta National is a magical place and they’re right. I’m definitely glad I made the trip.”

Sunday marked Tate’s first visit to Augusta National.

“Obviously, seeing No. 18 will be the highlight of my trip,” Tate said, “but not too far behind is shaking hands with coach Holtz.”