Bubba in command after Masters birdie binge

Image
AFP Augusta
Last Updated : Apr 12 2014 | 9:35 AM IST
Bubba Watson, seeking his second Masters title in three seasons, seized command in second round at Augusta National with five birdies in a row on the back nine.
The 35-year-old American left-hander, who beat Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff for the 2012 crown, fired a four-under par 68 to stand on seven-under 137 after 36 holes, grabbing a three-shot lead over Australian John Senden in quest for his second career major title.
"I felt really good," Watson said. "It's not science here. It's try to hit the greens and if you're hitting the greens that means you're obviously hitting your tee shots well. That's what I've done the last two days and it's worked out so far."
In Masters history, there has never been a longer birdie streak before the weekend than Watson's run and only five longer ones at any stage in the event.
"You're so focused on what you are doing, you are not really thinking you have just had three in a row, four in a row," Watson said.
"It's one of those things. Everyone has had that stretch before, playing with their buddies or playing in a tournament, so it's not that big a deal when we think about it.
"But at the Masters, it makes it a big deal."
Watson, whose first win after claiming the green jacket came only two months ago at Riviera, struggled with demands on him last year as defending champion and only managed a share of 50th.
"This year I'm trying to get the green jacket back," Watson said. "You want that feeling again. You want it back. Somehow I'm lost in the crowd. I can go through the practice rounds, not too much media attention.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 12 2014 | 9:35 AM IST

Next Story