Well well well, Augusta might have played easy back in November when Dusty Johnson took it apart in swash buckling style like a texan sharp shooter. Not so in April 2021. The course that every amateur would love to play showed its teeth today. Firm and fast greens and some prevailing winds meant that the majority of the field struggled to get the little white ball from tee to hole.
Rory McIlroy +4
Sergio Garcia +4
Patrick Cantlay +7
Jason Day +5
Bryson De Chambeau +4
S.J Im +5
Matt Kuchar +6
Lee Westwood +6
Some of the biggest names in golf have struggled hugely and only 9 of the field of 88 players have broken par today.
This man deserves a mention. People said he could pick this golf course apart, including himself. Bomb it as far as you can and scrammble your pars and take your birdies. Not at Augusta Mr De Chambeau, not at Augusta. He said in an interview last year that he considered Augusta a par 67. Really Bryson, 10 over for you today so!
The weight of expectation has weighed to heavy on Rory's shoulders once again. He is becoming an expert in disastrous opening rounds in majors and often responds with excellent 2nd rounds, but the damage is already done and Rory will not win the 2021 Masters and we will need to wait at least one more year to see if Rory can complete the elusive career grand slam.
Now let me turn to Justin Rose. What a performance. He was +2 through 7 holes and was all over the shop and seemed to just find something. It began on the par 5 eight with a fortuitous bounce that left him with a makeable eagle. He made the putt. Then he birdied the next hole to complete the front 9 in a very respectable 35. His eye was in now and 6 birdies followed in the next 9 holes. Unbelievable stuff. Well done Justin.
"It happened becuase I didn't panic" is how he described his incredible run playing holes 8 to 18 in 9 under par.
I have to say that I'm absolutely delighted for him, mainly because I bet €5 each way on him at 70/1 a couple of days ago!!
I just need to decide whether to cash out before Sunday. Because it's an each way bet, i will get €75 if he finishes in top 10 or €430 for the win, so I think I'll just leave it run its course. A 4 shot lead gives him a great chance to add to his one Major title
It wasn't going well for Tommy. +4 through 15 and poised to join the gang on cricket scores, that is until, he stepped up to the 16th hole. I'll let these pictures I took on my telly do the talking.
Well done Tommy, shot of the day my friend. He didnt even use the contour. He arrowed it straight at the flag. It puts him back in the picture and who knows what could happen in the next few days.
