AUGUSTA, Ga. – In three abbreviated weeks at Augusta National, Louis Oosthuizen has not shown much of an affinity for the Georgia layout. In fact, before this week the South African had never shot better than 73 in three previous starts at Augusta National.
On Friday, however, he scrambled for an even-par 72 to go with his opening 68 for a 4-under 140 total and is tied for third place early on a cool, windy day.
The 2010 British Open champion’s improved fortunes were on full display on the 18th hole when his approach sailed left of the green and he played his chip shot some 20 feet left of the pin. The shot drifted past the hole, slid right and backed up to 3 feet for an easy par putt.
“You never really learn how to play this golf course,” said Oosthuizen, who double bogeyed the second hole and turned in 39 before closing with a back-nine 33. “But this year I came into this week playing well. It’s weird for me being in third right now. I’m usually booking a ticket home by now.”
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Hoggard, a senior writer, covers the PGA Tour and appears on-air in several capacities.
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