Winners
Jordan Spieth is playing like he’s been at Augusta all his life. But he’s had only six rounds in competition. If the next two are anything like the first two the field is playing for second place. 64, 66 to open has never been done before and he looks so confident even a few burps won’t derail him.
There is a great tournament going on at Augusta…for second place right now. Charley Hoffman, Dustin Johnson, Paul Casey and Phil Mickelson all had good rounds to get in the mix…for second place.
How about Charley Hoffman. He finally gets back to The Masters and shoots two of the best rounds of his career only to run into the buzz saw that is Jordan Spieth. All Charley can do is keep on keeping on and see if Spieth stumbles.
Kevin Na and Ryan Moore both card 66’s and on any other day that would help them gain on the leader. Oops, Spieth shoots 66 also. So much for that.
Dustin Johnson set a record today with three eagles in one round on his way to a 67. His problem is the two bogeys and one double kept him from making a major move. So far this week he has five bogeys and that double. Spieth has a lone bogey.
Phil Mickelson and Paul Casey both carded 68’s to move up the leaderboard. Phil used some great up and downs and some crazy approaches while Paul played a steady bogey free round.
Losers
Rory McIlroy can’t be happy with his position at T19 and 12 shots back of Spieth. The only thing that he can draw some positives from was his closing back nine 31. Where had that been? It looks like Rory has been losing his focus out there.
Surprised to see these guys miss the cut: Miguel Angel Jimenez, J.B. Holmes, Billy Horschel, Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer. At least they got to hang at Augusta for a few days.
The Really Big Friday Winner
Ben Crenshaw spent the day on an eighteen hole farewell tour at Augusta National. Gentle Ben said good bye after his 44th appearance in The Masters. He first played Augusta in 1972 as the U.S. Amateur Champion and his love affair with all things Augusta started then.
Crenshaw was welcomed with standing ovations at every tee and green. His good friend and caddie, Carl Jackson was there to welcome him at eighteen along with Ben’s family and numerous Augusta members.
It’s easy to see why those Masters Champions cherish Augusta so dearly. No one values their champions like Augusta National and no fans patrons appreciate their champions like those at The Masters.
Afterwards Ben said “I felt like I won the tournament.”
Scenes like this only happen at Augusta. It’s another reason we love it so much.
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