Day 2 a mixed bag
It was another crazy day at Augusta today as the cut line landed at +2 . Even at that high number the following top professionals missed the cut:
Patrick Cantlay
Dustin Johnson
Brooks Koepka
Rory McIlroy
Jason Day
Matt Kuchur
Of all the majors to miss the cut in, this one hurts the most, as usually approx 60% to 70% actually make the cut, as it is such a small field. This year there were just 88 players battling it out for the famed green jacket.
Rose refuses to wilt
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If yesterday was a day to remember, well then today is a day to forget quickly for England's Rose. He carded 4 bogeys through the first 7 holes, before even approaching the dreaded Amen corner of holes 10, 11 and 12.
He went from a 4 shot lead to co-leader in 90 minutes of golf. One feels that blip could well cost him come Sunday evening when things are getting very interesting. Nobody wins a green jacket on Thursday or Friday, but we've seen plenty of guys lose them on the opening two days at Augusta National.
To be fair to Rose, he steadied the ship expertly after that shakiest of shaky starts and fought hard to get back to 7 under par, courtesy of 3 birdies, which gives him a two shot lead at the half way stage. He'd have accepted that before a ball was hit today and he is still in the driver seat, but cant afford another sloppy first 7 holes again, he can't continue to give up that many shots.
Movers and shakers
Friday worked out wonderfully for some and less so for others. As some found the midas touch, others found no touch at all. Balls lost in Rae's creek, greens missed and triple bogeys begrudgingly written into little boxes on scorecards. Friday had it all
We'll start with, who's hot?
Cam Smith -2
The young Australian impressed with some world class golf shots today. He is most definitely one to watch going into the weekend. He finished in a tie for 2nd last year and that looks like no one off.
Jordan Speith -5
Many peoples favourite coming into this week. He has justified the enthusiasm with a gutsy display. He has found himself deep in the trees a few times, but has not done huge damage to his scoring. When his putter is hot, everyone needs to watch out.
Mark Leishman -5
Mark flew out of the blocks yesterday and got to -4 and proceeded to give them all back. He was level par for Thursday, which must have disappointed him. He got off to an identical start today, going -3 through 4, but this time he didn't give them back and added to them instead to finish the day on -5.
Tony Finau -4
Tony turned yesterday's disappointing 74 into a -6 round of 66, which leaves him just 3 shots off the pace at the halfway point and everything to play for.
Justin Thomas -4
Justin and Tony played together and seemed to influence each other as they both finished in the mid 60s. Both men are very much in contention going into the weekend.
And now for Who's not
Rory McIlroy +8
He never looked right. Rory is a confidence player and I've rarely seen the County Down man with such a distinct lack of confidence. It is very clear from him body language and I hope that his new coach can help him out of this slump.
Brooks Koepka +5
It's a wonder Brooks even teed it up here to be honest. He's just had key hole surgery to his right knee and many thought he would not even play in this tournament. He'll be back and will drive away from Magnolia Drive some day wearing a green jacket.
Jason Day +9
It just wasn't Day's time to shine. He never really got going with lots of sloppy shots and luck was not on his side with some putts falling an inch or two short and some unfortunate bounces.
My tiple of choice whilst watching
A sneak peak at what my beer will be for beer Saturday with @detlev and all the gang beer Saturday game.
Any of you that know me, won't be surprised to see an IPA!
Chat to ye tomorrow for moving day at Augusta National. Mind yourselves.
