We are now halfway through the 2009 Masters Tournament and the scores are still low. The conditions were tougher so the scores weren't as low but that depended on who you are talking about.
The windy weather didn't stop Anthony Kim. 11 birdies and and a 7-under 65 to move him back into contention. Kenny Perry went bogey-free and is now tied for the lead with Chad Campbell, who continues to impress. Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia had low rounds to move them up the leaderboard.
But with the people who move up, there are also the people that moved down and/or missed the cut. People not here for the weekend include Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Greg Norman and all the amateurs (again).
But there are two men who are gone from the tournament and not just for this year, but for good. 1979 champion Fuzzy Zoeller and 3-time champion Gary Player. I've had the opportunity to interview both of these men and they are class acts. I know Fuzzy had his racially insensitive comments back in 1997 but he has since apologized and I have since forgiven him. As for Gary Player, he may be done with golfing but he needs to start a comedy tour. He's a hilarious guy and always willing to stop for an interview. I hope every golfer would be like Gary Player. Someone who appreciates the game and all of its facets, including the media, who just want a few minutes of their time after a round, good or bad.
I am absolutely enjoying myself so far and cannot wait until today's third round action. I am looking forward to see three things.
1. How much will the rain affect the course? If it makes the greens slower, then the scores will continue to go low. And if that's the case, the golfers going off early know they still have a chance to put up a low number like Kim's 65 on Friday.
2. Which one of these leaders will falter? Campbell held the 36 hole lead at the Masters in 2006 and lost. Kenny Perry is 48 years old. Angel Cabrera has played inconsistenly all year. And Todd Hamilton is the 373rd ranked player in the world so is it a fluke? Of the 4, Perry is the one I think who can keep it together longer. Yes, even more than the two major champions in Cabrera and Hamilton.
3. Will Tiger make a charge? He has been incredibly quiet in the first two rounds. He hasn't made many birdies and he hasn't been taking chances. If he wants to win, he has to go pin-seeking. He is healthy enough and is focused enough. Now, it's time to execute.
That's all for now. The third round is known as moving day. We'llsee just how movement there is.
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