The Masters: Gary Woodland needs to forget 2 rounds at Augusta
By Stan Unruh
Former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland had a rough two days at the Masters. Following a February tour win Woodland missed the cut at Augusta National
Two months ago, Gary Woodland celebrated his first PGA tour victory since 2013. The former member of the University of Kansas golf team earned his third with round 64 and a one-hole playoff at the Phoenix Open. The win added $1,242,00. 00 to Woodland’s career earnings and a spot in the Masters.
This was his first Masters since 2015. He missed the cut that year with rounds of 71 and 76. Considering his Super Bowl Sunday victory in Phoenix, I expected him to surprise the experts. Woodland is one of the biggest hitters on tour. His distance off the tee is ideal for Augusta National. With a tie for 26th in 2014 and an even better round in 2011, Woodland was ready for a strong finish this year.
It didn’t happen. Woodland’s two rounds this year were difficult to watch. Thursday’s opening round started well. He made par at the 445 par 4 No. 1. That was one of the few highlights of the first nine. After the opening par, Woodland suffered through five straight bogeys. He did find par on 7 and8 but settled for bogey on 9.
Woodland finished Thursday with a pair of bird and a par
Fortunately, he finished the opening round strong. Woodland desperately needed a birdie on the 530-yard par 5 No. 15. He missed the water and recorded a 4 on the hole. Defending Masters Champion Sergio Garcia suffered through a 13 at No. 15 Thursday. He put 5 balls in the water.
Woodland followed his bird with another on the 160 yard par 3 No. 16. The back to back birds were the end of the good news for Woodland at this year’s Masters. As a matter of fact, his 78 Thursday didn’t put him out of the weekend but he continued to miss Fairways Friday. After finding the fairway 9 times Thursday, Woodland found trouble off the tee 8 times Friday. Double bogeys at the par 4 No. 7 and the par 5 No. 13 kept him from working on the weekend.
Woodland has a long season ahead
It’s no secret the Masters is one of the most difficult tournaments. Woodland’s game is strong. He will put Augusta behind him and focus on the season ahead. Woodland is not listed among competitors for the Heritage Classic next week in South Carolina or the Valero Texas Open the following week. The Zurich Classic in New Orleans on April 23 lists Woodland as a participant in their team format event April 23.