Masters: Shubhankar misses cut, Reed leads after Rd 2
AUGUSTA: Shubhankar Sharma’s Masters debut ended at the halfway stage, but the disappointment of missing the cut only strengthened his resolve to come back and showcase his skills on the grandest stage of world golf.
The 21-year-old from Chandigarh battled his heart out in Friday’s second round, but the swirling wind at Augusta National kept baffling him.
He closed with a two-over par 74 round. A seven-over par total at the halfway stage was two shots less than what was required to make it to the weekend.
Patrick Reed, a five-times winner on the PGA Tour still seeking his breakthrough in a major, fired the day’s lowest round, a six-under 66 that included nine birdies, to reach nine under on the week, two clear of Australian Marc Leishman (67).
Sharma drove the ball beautifully off the tee, finding 10 out of 14 fairways in treacherous conditions.
He was, however, left with tricky putts as fluctuating wind directions hampered his usually solid iron play. Despite several birdie opportunities, he could convert only one – on the 15th hole – and added three bogeys.
“It was really windy out there and that’s why you don’t see too many low scores. I thought I played pretty good, just missed a few putts. I kept on fighting until the very end and it just didn’t go my way, but I’m proud of how I played,” said Sharma.
“There were a few shots I hit out there today where the wind either died, or picked up. That makes for a big change here. On these greens, you have to pick up your spot and hit it exactly there. Given the pin positions, and they were all pretty tough today, there are times when a 10-feet putt is far more difficult than a 20-feet putt, especially if you are putting from up or down the hill.
“I guess this is the reason why Augusta National is such a tough course for someone like me playing here for the first time. But the great thing is that I have learned a lot this time and I am sure I am going to come back here many times.” Sharma is next scheduled to play the Valero Texas Open on PGA Tour.
Leaderboard: 135 - Patrick Reed 6966, 137 - Marc Leishman 70-67, 139 Henrik Stenson 69-70, 151 Shubhankar Sharma 77-74