Masters 2009 Update
3 days down and only 1 to go. Although there has been some excellent golf as usual, Im disappointed that the likes of Woods, Mickelson, Harrington and Casey are not right in the mix at this moment in time. However, with regards to Woods and Mickelson, we know they are both capable of shooting in the low 60’s, which is what they will need to do in order to have any hope of overtaking Perry or Cabrera at the top.
One again, it looks like the Europeans are merely fighting for a top 5 finish at Augusta, which is disappointing considering the hopes last Thursday. Harrington has played relatively well but has just not had the breaks this week, Casey (one of my tips at 28/1) has up to now looked steady rather than spectacular, Stensons round yesterday of 75 ruled him out of contention and the good play from Poulter and Westwood seems to have merely given them the opportunity of scraping a top 5 finish.
So, of my other tips this week. Freddie Couples did not provide the dream top-10 finish. Although rallying toward the end of round 2, Couples missed the cut by a single shot, a pity because anyone making the cut had a chance of a top 10. Meanwhile, Luke Donald (6/1 for a top-10) could still sneak a top 10 but yesterdays 72 again was frustrating. Finally, Phil Mickelson has my head wrecked this week. At one stage he was in danger of missing the cut, then was 5 under heading into yesterdays back-9. I was sure Phil could push on from here and post an early clubhouse score of -7 or -8 but instead, erratic play saw him finish at -4….Not out of it just yet, but the clock is ticking fast!
With my tips hanging on for dear life and remaining surprisingly subdued on what was meant to be moving day yesterday, the leaders had no such problems. Cabrera looks surprisingly solid on the short-mid range putts, the weakest part of his game. Kenny Perry has also looked impressive in every department. At 48 years of age, he is a fantastic all around player and sneakily long. Chad Campbell have also performed with great credit to this point and along with Furyk and Stricker, remains well in the mix.
Lets hope now for a finish down to the wire above all else this evening, and of course, who would argue with a pair of 64’s from messrs Woods and Mickelson?
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