McIlroy ahead but Tiger lurks
Source: Agencies |
April 10, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
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GOLF'S young guns came out blazing at the Masters with 21-year-old Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holding a two-shot lead over 23-year-old Australian Jason Day at the halfway mark in Augusta, Georgia, on Friday.
Overnight leader McIlroy posted 69 for a 10-under 134, while Day, playing alongside the Briton, streaked into contention with a superb 64 that was one off the championship record.
Four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods made big noise as well with seven birdies from the eighth hole onward for a 66 that lifted him into a tie with South Korean KJ Choi at 7-under 137.
Woods, who looked in danger of missing the cut after three bogeys in the first seven holes, capped off his roaring charge with a 10-foot birdie at the last.
"I'm three back, so I played myself back in the championship," said Woods, who has gone nearly 17 months without a win and has been struggling to master a new swing. "We have still got 36 more holes. We have a long way to go."
Choi, who had taken over the tournament lead at 8-under before late starter McIlroy teed off, shot 70 after dropping a stroke by three-putting the 18th for bogey.
McIlroy, who seized the British Open lead last year at St Andrews with a 63 before soaring to a second-round 80, played strong and steady this time as he posted four birdies against a lone bogey on a hot, humid day that led to more low scoring.
"I'm feeling very comfortable on this golf course," said McIlroy, who finished third in three of his last five major championships. "I'm two ahead at a major championship. You can't be disappointed with that."
The third youngster in the precocious group, Rickie Fowler, was no slouch either. The colorfully attired 22-year-old American shot 69 for 139, five shots off the pace.
On 138, four off the pace, were Australian Geoff Ogilvy (69) and Spain's Alvaro Quiros (73), who had shared the first-round lead.
Before Woods' charge, Fred Couples and Ricky Barnes were the only Americans on a distinctly international leaderboard.
Couples, the 1992 champion and crowd favorite in Augusta, shot 68 for 139, a total he shared with Barnes, who reached 7-under by the sixth hole before stumbling to a 71.
Also at 5-under were world No. 2 Lee Westwood of Britain, who registered a 67, and South Korean Yang Yong-eon, who had reached 8-under by the eighth hole before slipping back with three bogeys.
The cut was at 1-over 145, matching the lowest ever at Augusta. Among those going home were the last three major champions - Germany's Martin Kaymer, now in danger of losing his No. 1 ranking; Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Briton Graeme McDowell.
Overnight leader McIlroy posted 69 for a 10-under 134, while Day, playing alongside the Briton, streaked into contention with a superb 64 that was one off the championship record.
Four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods made big noise as well with seven birdies from the eighth hole onward for a 66 that lifted him into a tie with South Korean KJ Choi at 7-under 137.
Woods, who looked in danger of missing the cut after three bogeys in the first seven holes, capped off his roaring charge with a 10-foot birdie at the last.
"I'm three back, so I played myself back in the championship," said Woods, who has gone nearly 17 months without a win and has been struggling to master a new swing. "We have still got 36 more holes. We have a long way to go."
Choi, who had taken over the tournament lead at 8-under before late starter McIlroy teed off, shot 70 after dropping a stroke by three-putting the 18th for bogey.
McIlroy, who seized the British Open lead last year at St Andrews with a 63 before soaring to a second-round 80, played strong and steady this time as he posted four birdies against a lone bogey on a hot, humid day that led to more low scoring.
"I'm feeling very comfortable on this golf course," said McIlroy, who finished third in three of his last five major championships. "I'm two ahead at a major championship. You can't be disappointed with that."
The third youngster in the precocious group, Rickie Fowler, was no slouch either. The colorfully attired 22-year-old American shot 69 for 139, five shots off the pace.
On 138, four off the pace, were Australian Geoff Ogilvy (69) and Spain's Alvaro Quiros (73), who had shared the first-round lead.
Before Woods' charge, Fred Couples and Ricky Barnes were the only Americans on a distinctly international leaderboard.
Couples, the 1992 champion and crowd favorite in Augusta, shot 68 for 139, a total he shared with Barnes, who reached 7-under by the sixth hole before stumbling to a 71.
Also at 5-under were world No. 2 Lee Westwood of Britain, who registered a 67, and South Korean Yang Yong-eon, who had reached 8-under by the eighth hole before slipping back with three bogeys.
The cut was at 1-over 145, matching the lowest ever at Augusta. Among those going home were the last three major champions - Germany's Martin Kaymer, now in danger of losing his No. 1 ranking; Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Briton Graeme McDowell.
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