John Senden and Masters leader Bubba Watson will tee off at the tail of the field at Augusta tonight when thew third round gets underway.
The 42-year-old from Brisbane started his second round with two bogeys, but came home strongly with five birdies to be three shots off the pace at 4-under.
Watson, as I predicted yesterday, is the man to beat. He had five successive birdies from the 12th on the way home this morning, a career-best. Good time to have it.
Watson’s at 7-under, and if ever there’s a day when Senden must play his own game, it’s tonight.
Try and mix it with the booming drives of Watson, and Augusta will gobble the Australian up.
Defending champion Adam Scott showed a lot of courage in the second round when he was out of sorts to card three bogeys going out, but the three birdies coming home has Scott in equal third spot with Jonas Blixt, Jordan Spieth, and Thomas Bjorn at 3-under.
Two other Australians made the cut, Steve Bowditch at 3-over, and Jason Day, right on the number at 4-over.
But the Australian story of the day belongs to 19-year-old amateur Oliver Goss. Tomorrow he will be 20, and as he’s the only amateur to qualify for the weekend, come Monday morning our time, Goss will be in the famous Butler’s Cabin on debut when the Masters winner dons his green jacket.
Some fairytale story for the youngster from Perth.
On the other side of the Australian coin, Marc Leishman started the second round with three birdies in the first three holes to be on the front page of the leaderboard, and then the wheels came off big time.
For the rest of his round, Leishman had two doubles, and six bogeys to miss the cut by one.
He joined a Who’s Who of world golf missing the cut by a shot – Phil Mickelson, who dropped eight shots in three holes, Ernie Els, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, Webb Simpson, Sergio Garcia, and the very talented Frenchman Victor Dubuisson
A special word for Fred Couples. At 54-years-young, with a back St Vincent de Paul wouldn’t want, he’s made the cut for a record 24th straight time.
One of the commentators was right on the money when he said, “I’m running out of adjectives to describe Freddie”.
Couples is a “Time Machine”, don’t be surprised if he’s in contention come Sunday.
That’s unless Bubba Watson hasn’t blitzed the field. He’s looking ominous.
Pillock
Guest
Both days the early groups have posted the good rounds. Hopefully that doesn't continue. Bubba could have had a bigger lead but a 3 stoke lead is no tournament winner at this stage. Be good to see Scott & Senden have good round 3's and setup for the final round. A few more early mornings.
Tim Prentice
Expert
I am with you Brendo. Caught him at 50/1. Super talent, aged 20. Seems oblivious to pressure and the huge occasion. Has the game to beat anyone in any conditions.
Brendo
Guest
Jordan Spieth*
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Very good round John Senden, has he got the game to stay in the mix. Scotty putted well today to finish strongly and is well placed. Great stuff young Goss. Disappointing for Leishman after a good round yesterday. Surprised Jason Day is struggling. Anyway two Aussies in the mix.