Justin Rose halfway leader at Augusta

British golfers have had a great start in the Masters at Augusta National, USA the last couple of years.  Forty year old Justin Rose, the Olympic Golf Champion in Rio de Janeiro, created an indelible lead over the field on day two of this year’s opening Major (8-11 April). Seven under par was the 2013 US Open Champion while the rest languished a further two strokes behind.

 

Rose rustled up a rare birdie on the opening hole on Saturday to get to 8-under.  The second hole delivered another birdie: 9-under.  Rose was on a roll.  What an incredible start to his third round in the Masters!  He then settled down with a par before two sand bunkers took their toll.  Bogey-bogey, back to 7-under.

 

The wind was now surging.  The commentators were sounding alarmed.  Clouds were getting darker and darker. Rose had to settle himself down now after his electrifying start.  Other players were hanging on in there just a couple of shots off target.  Despite Rose’s formidable opening birdies, this was still anybody’s game to win.

 

A few minutes later, the man with the storm siren arrived at Rose’s two-ball.  A short discussion followed.  Rose and his young American playing partner, Will Zalatoris, playing in the Masters for the first time, decided to carefully mark their balls and head for the safety of the clubhouse.  The storm was expected to last for an hour or so.  Would the clubhouse give Justin Rose the calm he needed?  How will Zalatoris resume play?  What next?

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Englishman Justin Rose halfway leader in the Masters.