As gusty winds throw past champions off course
Twelve months on Jordan Spieth is still sizzling at Augusta. The 22-year old defending Masters Champion opened with a round of 66 on Thursday. With six birdies on his card and no bogeys, Spieth looks like he’s keeping a firm grip on The Masters title. He has taken the lead at 6-under par, two ahead of Danny Lee (New Zealand) and Shane Lowry (Ireland) on 68. The World no. 2 continues his trend of never having carded a round over par at Augusta in The Masters. Last year the young Texan shot a 64 on day one to top the leaderboard. It was a lead that he held onto for the rest of the tournament earning him his first Green Jacket with a record-equalling score of 270 (18-under par) and thrilling the fans with a wire-to-wire victory.
The World Number One, Jason Day (Australia) eagled the second hole at Augusta and had a good chance for a second one at the 13th but had to settle for birdie. However, a few holes later disaster struck at the par three 16th where his tee-shot finished in the water costing him a triple-bogey.
The Masters DAY TWO Friday, 8th April
The field battled it out in gusty winds making the slippery greens at Augusta even more treacherous and frustrating. Scores soared into the black sending some of the bookies’ favourites homeward bound. The cut came at +6 leaving the likes of past champions Phil Mickelson (+7) and Charl Schwartzel (+8) agonisingly close to what must surely be one of the highest halfway cuts in the history of the tournament. Sadly, past champion 66-year old Tom Watson, playing in his last Masters this year, bowed out at 8-over par too. The end of an era.
Even Jordan Spieth failed to make headway in the wind. A day of frustration saw the defending champion sign for a 2-over par, 74 leaving him at 4-under par for the tournament. Bogeys on the 16th and 17th costing him dearly. Nevertheless, the Texan still holds the lead, just. Breathing down his neck now is the world number 3, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland who is in search of his first Green Jacket. He carded a solid round of 71 to get to 3-under par after 36 holes. Yes, within just one stroke of Spieth. Saturday promises to be another exciting day at Augusta with Spieth and McIlroy in the final pairing. Another gusty round is forecast which will make the greens even more electrifyingly fast.
Wendy Hoad
Pictured: Jordan Spieth.
Scheduled television coverage of The Masters on BBC 2 this weekend:
Saturday, 9th April 19.30-24.00 hrs GMT (20.30-1.00 AMS) – Live coverage of The Masters.
Sunday, 10th April 18.30-24.00 hrs GMT (19.30-1.00AMS) – Live coverage of the final day.