Cameron Young, a 28-year-old professional golfer, was tied for the lead heading into the final round of the Masters, one of golf’s four major championships.
After an outstanding third round April 11, he erased a large deficit to pull even with Rory McIlroy. But before teeing off in the final pairing, Young kept to his usual Sunday routine: attending Mass with his family.
Asked at a press conference whether it would be difficult to attend Mass in Augusta, Georgia, without being recognized as one of the leaders in the tournament, Young said it would not change his plans.
“It might, but it’s not going to stop us,” he said. “I don’t know where we’re going to go yet, but we’ll find somewhere and take the kids. We’ll be out in full force just like usual.”
Young, a Catholic and father of three children under 5, said he has made attending Sunday Mass a regular part of life on the PGA Tour, whether at home or on the road. He and his wife, Kelsey, seek out a local Catholic parish each week amid the demands of professional golf.
Young said attending Mass reflects the central role faith plays in his family life.
“Our faith is very important to us. It’s something that I feel like brings us together,” he said. “It’s very important, I think, for all of us to have that part of our lives be a central portion of what we do, individually and as a family.”
According to Golf Digest, the family was spotted at the 9 a.m. Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea, a Catholic church across from TPC Sawgrass, on the Sunday of the Players Championship on March 15 — a tournament Young went on to win later that day.
“Wherever we are, we find Mass to go to,” he said.
Young acknowledged that attending Mass during a major tournament can draw added attention, particularly when the church is near the course.
“It’s a little bit different pulling in in the tournament car, unloading my kids, and having people kind of look at you the whole time,” he said.
But Young said he often receives encouragement from others who see the family at church.
“I get a lot of really, really nice comments, people saying, ‘Hey, thanks for setting a great example for my children,’” he said.
“It’s great to hear,” he added. “That’s one area where I’m really happy to be able to bring attention to that part of our life. I just think it’s a great opportunity to show other people that’s what we do.”
Young ultimately tied for third at the Masters.