As countdown to Masters begins

Time is running out for the likes of Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Rafa Cabrera Bello (Spain) and Thomas Pieters (Belgium) if they are to play in this year’s US Masters (7-10 April). There is just over a week to go before the cut-off date.  The trio is among a number of players around the globe who are lurking just outside the top-50 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OGWR).  The top-50 players as at 27th March receive an automatic invitation to play in the first Major of the season at Augusta National.

 

This week the European Tour is in New Delhi for the Hero Indian Open (17-20 March). It’s pretty well the last chance for many European Tour players to secure their invitation to Augusta.  A hope that has already been dashed for the unfortunate few who have just missed the halfway cut at the Indian Open today.

 

The cut in New Delhi came at a friendly level par: 144. Six players missed the weekend by one stroke, probably a lipped-out-putt, among them Holland’s Joost Luiten.  He had arrived in India in good form after consistently finishing in the top-10 this season.  However, he looked well and truly out for the count on day one at the Delhi Golf Club after a disastrous start. He signed for a 5-over par, 77 which included five bogeys, a double bogey and two birdies.  Yet that was not going to deter Holland´s number one golfer from giving his best on Friday.  Since he has experienced the privilege of teeing-up in all the Majors, Luiten is hungry for more.  His number one goal is to improve his ranking: currently 75th in the OWGR and 17th in the Race to Dubai.  The 30-year old rose to the occasion in the second round by making seven birdies in the first fourteen holes.  Out in 31, the cut was in sight.  But a par, bogey, bogey, bogey finish to come home in 37 was one too many and sent him packing.

 

The halfway leader in the Hero Indian Open is 43-year old Australian Terry Pilkadaris. He leads by three after opening with rounds of 67 and 64.

 

Wendy Hoad

 

PICTURED: Rafa Cabrera Bello from Spain.   Photography by Golfing Inspirations.