The three South Africans in the Masters field face a struggle to make the cut after poor first rounds and the expected windy condition in round two.
Johannesburg-born Englishman Justin Rose is the clubhouse leader after shooting a magnificent seven-under-par 65 on Thursday to take the first-round lead, three strokes clear of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners and Ludvig Aberg.
However, none of the South Africans could manage under-par rounds. Charl Schwartzel finished with a two-over-par 74, while Christiaan Bezuidenhout shot a four-over-par 76. Thriston Lawrence, who had a top 2024, had a nightmare first ever round at Augusta National when he came in with a seven-over-par 79.
The projected cut is likely to be a round three- or four-over-par, which means that Schwartzel and Bezuidenhout, especially, will likely have to shoot under-par on Friday to make the cut.
However, it’s going to be difficult as the wind is set to play a massive role in Friday’s second round. It was last year when the conditions in the first couple of days proved tough for the golfers, as hitting precise shots at Augusta is key to taming the Masters.
Bezuidenhout has never missed the cut at the Masters in his four starts since making a first appearance at the coveted golf major in 2020. He missed the last two tournaments at Augusta National and will be hoping for a bit of magic on Friday.
The 2011 champion Schwartzel, who came into the tournament with a bit of form on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, does know his way around the course and will be hoping to lean on his experience to get him through.
Lawrence, who was making his Masters debut, needs a bit of a miracle, but he would be enjoying this experience. Not every professional gets to play the Masters in their lifetime.
@JohnGoliath82
