Masters :: Round 2 re-cap

Leader: Bubba Watson

The Masters Round 2 talking points

Bubba Watson’s birdie spree on the back nine set the Masters alight. The American birdied the 12th with a two and never looked back. Four more birdies came at 13, 14, 15, followed by another birdie at the par-3 16th – he takes a three-shot lead into round 3.

The ascendancy up the leader-board from John Senden yesterday caught a few people off guard. The Aussie began his round with a bogey at the first, but this did little to dampen his spirits. He would finished with a round with a 68 – the joint best of the day – he lies three behind Bubba Watson.

Steven Gallacher has surprised a few this week, and the Scotsman doesn’t look like he’s finished yet. The Bathgate man followed his first round 71 with an even-par 72 yesterday, and seems to be handling the occasion – and the course, with the confidence of a Masters veteran – well done Stevie.

A few pre-tournament favourites missed the cut yesterday, along with a series of experienced players. Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald will all have to wait another year for a shot at the Green Jacket. Likewise, American due, Dustin and Zach Johnson head home early, as does Irishman Graeme McDowell.

Man of the round

There were a few strong contenders after yesterday’s action, but none more deserving than 2012 champion, Bubba Watson. After a good start in round 1, we wondered if he could build on his 69 – he answered in style. Watson shot the joint best score of the day and leads at the halfway stage.

Painful to watch

Rory McIlroy struggled all day, carding two-double-bogeys and a further two bogeys, on his way to a disappointing 77. It all looked so good for the pre-tournament favourite after round 1, but the Irishman just managed to make the cut by a shot, after a round that saw him out of position on a number of occasions , with a putter as cold as they come.

Tip of the cap

Tip of the cap goes to Brendan Grace, after a round of three-under-par. The South African was dead last after an opening round of 84 –yes 84 – but he didn’t lose heart and came back fighting, finishing with a 69, with just one bogey and four birdies.

Stats of the day

Bubba Watson had five birdies in a row on the back-nine yesterday. The current record is held jointly by Steve Pate and Tiger Woods, who have carded seven in a row.

The secret to Steven Gallacher’s success this week has been his work with the driver. The Scot is the only man in the top-ten when it comes to both driving distance, and driving accuracy.

You won’t find many players more relaxed around Augusta than Fred Couples – and with good reason. The American has a scoring average of 71.88, the best out of all those who have played 100 rounds or more – better than Jack Nicklaus and Sam Snead.
 

Soundbites

 Fred Couples

“When you start thinking about that you kind of go crazy.” – When asked about his chances of winning this week.

Ian Poulter

“This golf course very much sets up in his kind of favour.” – When assessing Bubba Watson’s performance.

Sergio Garcia

Tweets

 Sergio Garcia

“Nothing better than some good food and ice cream after a hard day on the course.” – Sergio comfort eats after missing the cut.

BBC’s Dan Walker

“Part of me wishes Fred Couples was my Dad. Sorry real Dad.” – I think we all secretly agree with Dan on this one.

Things to watch out for

Can Bubba build on his lead and put himself out of sight come the final day? Or will Adam Scott, John Senden, or maybe even Fred Couples be breathing down his neck going into the final round?

The pins this week have made for some tough scoring thus far, we may see those in charge be a little kinder with their placements today – if so, expect some low scores and surges up the leader-board.

There are some big names in and around even par. Players such as Lee Westwood, Matt Kuchar and Jim Furyk will all be fired up for today, as they chase the birdies they need to catch Bubba – expect drama.

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