by G. Rennie
THE VIKINGS HAVE LANDED: A Nordic Invasion swept over a resplendent Augusta National today as Swede Jonas Blixt and Dane Thomas Bjorn stormed into a short lived three way tie for the lead with Bubba Watson at -5. The charge came on the front side with birdies by both men on #9 while Bubba struggled with three bogeys in a four stretch on holes 4 through 7.
Bjorn gave three shots back on his closing nine and stands T7 after 54 holes. Masters rookie Blixt, a twenty nine year old graduate from the European Tour, only gave back one shot on the backside and at -4, will tee off with Matt Kuchar in the penultimate paring tied for 3rd.
Blixt’s aggressive play cut both ways as he managed 4 birdies in his round but it also led to two water balls on the back side. After pushing his tee ball on 11 into the pine straw under the right trees he punched a low iron that caromed off the bank fronting the green like it had hit a wall. His pitch shot from the drop area 58 yards from the pin was nearly holed out with the ball skittering up to the lip then recoiling for the tap in. A helluva bogey.
His 245 yard approach from a side hill lie into 15 caught the bank and took a bath. Bjorn hit the exact same shot moments later and while he never fully recovered Blixt rallied with birdies on 15 and 16.
First time playing wonder boy Jordan Spieth is garnering most of the ink and praise as the possible first winner in his Masters debut since Fuzzy back in ’79. We might get a rookie champion but it just might be Jonas Blixt.
PICKS TALLY for Links Life Golf DB’s:
At the end of play Sunday the purse will be split between the knucklehead with the highest finisher and the one with the most combined cash.
After Saturday ‘s play the standings have been shaken up:
The Greek – Soars to the top with Jordan but he’s his only horse left in the race.
G.Rennie – I’m riding Spieth as well with two other runners left but they are fading.
Big Dick. – The boy has staying power. With Kuch and Rickie both under par he’s closing strong.
Lil Skins – Comes back from the dead with The Coolest Man in Golf at -3. Stay thirsty.
Big Skins – Turns into Big Miss as his lone runner dropped four strokes today.
LIKE FATHER , LIKE SON: Kevin Stadler is the spitting image of his Walrus dad and they just might have something else in common come tomorrow night – a 56 short Green Jacket.
Young Stads is at -1 only four off the pace, tied for tenth. In addition to the genetic bequest I’m sure Craig has done a download of his cumulative knowledge of Augusta. And top of the mind meld transfer is how to win on the biggest stage in golf. Hooray for the fat guys.
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