Watson lays down a marker
Bubba Watson has given himself a real chance of picking up a second Masters win in three years after compiling another quality round at Augusta.
The American added a second-round 68 to his opening 69 to take his total to seven under par – good enough for a three-shot lead midway through Friday’s action.
After a solid but unspectacular one-birdie, one-bogey front nine, Watson caught fire on the back, nailing five successive birdies from the 12th.
The birdie at the short 16th was very nearly a hole-in one.
“I thought that was it,” he said. “I thought it was going in.”
But for a disappointing bogey at the final hole, where he hit a poor approach and an even poorer putt for par, his lead might have been even bigger.
On Thursday, Watson said he was happy to be able to return to Augusta and fly under the radar.
“I’m coming back with a different mindset, full of energy,” Watson said. “I haven’t had any media this week, because nobody cares about the guy a couple of years ago. So it’s been good.
“You are not the main man, the champions’ dinner is not about you. Somehow I was lost in the crowd a little so I could go about my practice rounds without much attention.
“This year I’m trying to get the (green) jacket back. You want that feeling again, you want that back.”
Latest
-
NewsBig hitters could have the drive to master Augusta next month
Bryson DeChambeau could be one of the players who can overpower the iconic course.
-
NewsRory McIlroy determined to boost Masters chances by cutting out mistakes
The Northern Irishman has gone six years without adding to his four major titles.
-
NewsRoss McGowan ends long wait with win at Italian Open
The Englishman had just one European Tour top 10 in four seasons when he arrived at Chervo Golf Club.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau Claims 400-yard Carry
With the remainder of the famous golfers doing their best to prepare for the Zozo Championship, Bryson DeChambeau has something else in mind
-
NewsTyrell Hatton: It’s much ado about a hoodie
Tyrell Hatton his happy to be turning heads with his hoodie, which has made unexpected waves.
-
NewsRory McIlroy acknowledges dry spell ahead of Zozo Championship
Rory McIlroy sees this weeks’ Zozo Championship as an opportunity to end his win drought and gain some confidence.
-
NewsTiger Woods feeling in form as he returns to Sherwood in build-up to Masters
The 44-year-old is happy with his game as Masters season begins in earnest.
-
NewsJason Kokrak: I couldn’t be happier
Jason Kokrak was beaming from ear to ear having finally earned his maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday.
-
NewsSpain’s Adrian Otaegui finishes with a flourish to win Scottish Championship
The Spaniard now has a professional victory in three different formats of the game.
-
NewsThe Rise of Golf: Increasing Popularity of Golf in the US
Golf is played across the US and it’s gaining popularity amongst many Americans.