Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA — April 7, 2023
Shouts of “fore” Friday afternoon at Augusta National Golf Club were not just for wayward shots. High winds brought down three huge trees next to the 17th tee box. Two pine trees were uprooted and took out a third pine while falling. There were gallery patrons in the area. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Tournament officials released the following statement.
Brooks Koepka completed his round and is the leader in the clubhouse at 12-under-par. A bogey-free 18 holes, highlighted by three birdies and an eagle, gave Koepka a score of 67 to go with his opening round 65.
Of those who completed play before the tournament was suspended for the day, Sam Bennett (-8) and Collin Morikawa (-6) were the closest competitors after 36 holes of play.
Yesterday’s Co-Leaders
Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm shared the 18-hole lead with Koepka at seven-under-par. Rahm birdied eight and nine to go nine-under with nine holes still to play. Hovland bogeyed the sixth hole and, through 10 played, sits at six-under.
Tiger Woods is even-par through 11 holes today, sitting tied for 50th at two over par. The top 50 golfers, including ties, continue to play in the final two rounds. It is likely Woods will have to pull out some magic on his final seven holes to avoid being cut.
A total of 39 players have yet to finish their second round. However, the list of those sure not to be playing past round two includes some big names already with two rounds complete. Jose Maria Olazabal(+10), Danny Willett (+6), Vijay Singh (+6), Bernhard Langer (+5), Mike Weir (+5), Bryson DeChambeau (+4). And, of course, the par-three contest winner Tom Hoge (+4)
Play is “scheduled” to resume at 8 am Saturday. The forecast calls for a 100 percent chance of rain all day.
Continue to follow The Lasco Press for ongoing coverage of the Masters.
