This was published 9 years ago
The course won today.
The wind was up and it made everything difficult, especially putting.
You only have to get the speed slightly wrong and the ball flys past the hole.
The cream rose to the top, though.
There were some saying Spieth was out of sorts coming in to this event, but his game is designed for this course.
LEADERBOARD
Spieth -6
Lee -4
Lowry -4
Casey -3
The world No.3 went bogey, par and bogey in the last three holes.
He didn't do a lot wrong, but that is the beauty of Augusta.
You don't have to.
The back stretch got Day, McIlroy, Fowler and others.
His par putt slides right. Never close.
But he makes par to finish at -2 and a round of 70.
That's close enough.
He doesn't even get close.
The bunker shot speeds way past. Bogey coming here.
LEADERBOARD
Spieth -6
Lee -4
For Rory.
He had an uphill lie and it cost him on the approach.
His shot knocked down into the greenside bunker and it is plugged.
It will take a great up and down to get in with par here.
He doesn't have a lot of options - maybe 15 to 18 feet past the flag.
The big man makes another birdie on the 18th. How many times as he done that.
It gives him just a +1 round of 73, though.
But that is still good for Tied 34th at the moment.
Watch out for him over the next few days.
McIlroy has the drive through the narrow gap.
He likes it. Sets up a good approach.
Up at the green, Lowry had a birdie putt break all the way to the cup but was just one revolution to fast.
He collects an easy par to finish at -4 and a round of 68.
He is equal second with Lee - Lowry best position at a Major.