Augusta, Apr 12:
US co-leaders Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau were set for an early charge in Friday’s second round of the 83rd Masters golf tournament with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson lurking.
Under rainy, overcast conditions at Augusta National, the second round began with Koepka and DeChambeau level atop the leaderboard after opening on six-under par 66 with Mickelson one stroke adrift.
Koepka, who missed last year’s Masters with a left wrist injury, is playing Augusta National for the first time as a major champion, having last year defended his US Open title and won the PGA Championship.
Koepka birdied five of the first six back-nine holes on Thursday, including four in a row starting at the tricky par-3 12th on a rain-softened course that figures to be even more vulnerable in round two.
DeChambeau, a self-styled golf scientist, uses a unique swing style, same-length clubs, vector putting and wears a unique Ben Hogan-style hat.
While his best major showing is only a share of 15th at the 2016 US Open, Dechambeau stung Augusta National six birdies in the last seven holes, including four in a row to end his round.
Five-time major champion Mickelson, who at age 48 would become the oldest winner in major golf history if he lifts a fourth green jacket this week, birdied five of the last seven holes Thursday.
“The greens are softer than they’ve ever been and they’re not as fast as they normally are,” said the US left-hander.
DeChambeau tees off at 10:42 a.m. (1442 GMT) Friday with Mickelson in the group behind him and Koepka in the one after that.
World number two Dustin Johnson and England’s Ian Poulter, who also have early starts, shared fourth on 68 with 2013 winner Adam Scott of Australia, Spain’s Jon Rahm, South Africa’s Justin Harding, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and American Kevin Kisner in a pack on 69.
The past 13 Masters winners all were in the top-10 after round one, a good omen for those within three of the lead. (Agencies)
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