Masters Round Two: Familiar Territory

Defending champion Zach Johnson practices his stroke.
(John Coyne)

We’ve been here before. A couple of young, talented players (Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker) rise to the top of the leaderboard at the halfway point of the Masters.

Then there are the lurkers, both major winners and solid contenders: Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Stephen Ames and others. Tiger Woods is seven back and very much in the tournament.

Augusta’s Saturday forecast is calling for scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Also, more pars and bogeys, definitely a few “others,” with only a slight chance of birdies. On moving day at the Masters, most usually move in the wrong direction.

Some notables who missed the cut:

Ernie Els (?!?!)
Sergio Garcia
Fred Couples
Luke Donald
Rory Sabbatini
Steve Stricker
Tim Clark

If Tiger holes a few putts, he’ll be within striking distance tomorrow night. Phil just needs to keep things sensible. A 70 in the third round would be fine.

The young guys need to forget they’re at the top of the leaderboard and just play their games. Good luck with that one, fellas.

−The Armchair Golfer