The Masters: Tiger Woods makes cut and equals Augusta record as Rahm chases leader Koepka

By Sports Desk April 08, 2023

Tiger Woods matched a Masters record as he made the cut at Augusta National on Saturday.

The five-time champion made the cut for a 23rd consecutive attempt, equalling a feat previously achieved by Fred Couples and Gary Player.

This is Woods' 25th tilt at the Masters, and he has only missed the cut once – on his second visit in 1996.

He added a 73 to his opening 74 this time, completing his second round on Saturday morning in Georgia after play was suspended due to dismal weather on Friday.

On a wet morning, Woods steered clear of trouble until he bogeyed 17 and 18, the latter after mishitting a drive "right off the neck" and finding rough in a position that ruled out reaching the green in two.

He was in danger of missing the rest of the weekend, hovering under the cut mark at one point after completing his round, but three over eventually proved sufficient for the 47-year-old, whose last triumph at this tournament came four years ago.

Woods said: "I've always loved this golf course, and I love playing this event. Obviously I've missed a couple with some injuries, but I've always wanted to play here. I've loved it."

Speaking after his round, while his fate was in the balance, he added: "I hope I get a chance to play this weekend."

Correcting himself, realising it was Saturday, Woods said: "I'm sorry, I got a chance to play on the weekend. I wish I get a chance to play two more rounds."

Woods was far from the business end of the leaderboard, being 15 strokes behind leader Brooks Koepka, who completed his second round before the storms curtailed play on Friday.

Jon Rahm led the chasers and was playing the 10th when play was called off on Friday, three shots behind Koepka at that point.

Spaniard Rahm closed the gap to one shot early on Saturday, but a bogey at 18 meant Rahm had to settle for a round of 69 to sit two back through 36 holes, with amateur Sam Bennett two shots further adrift in third spot.

Related items

  • Djokovic makes dominant start to Olympic gold medal bid Djokovic makes dominant start to Olympic gold medal bid

    Novak Djokovic began his latest Olympic gold medal bid with a statement victory over Australia's Matthew Ebden at Roland-Garros.

    The 24-time major winner took just 53 minutes to wrap up a comprehensive 6-0 6-1 rout on Court Philippe-Chatrier, to set up a potential second-round clash with Rafael Nadal.

    Djokovic won bronze on his Olympic debut in 2008, but missed out on a medal after finishing fourth in 2012 and 2020, while he was beaten in round one in Rio by eventual silver medallist Juan Martin del Potro eight years ago.

    However, there was no danger of a repeat of the latter this time around. The Serb took just 24 minutes to wrap up a dominant first set, in which he bageled his helpless opponent.

    Ebden remained in positive spirits despite his ordeal. At one stage, he offered his racquet to the crowd, who gave him a wonderful reception when he won his first game of the contest at the 11th attempt.

    Nevertheless, it only briefly delayed the inevitable, with Djokovic cruising to the finish line.

    Data Debrief: Dominant Djokovic soars into second round

    There was no messing around from the 24-time major winner on Saturday, as he was done and dusted in just under an hour at Roland-Garros.

    He converted six of his nine break-point opportunities, while winning 14 of 19 net points (74%).

    The identity of his second-round opponent is still to be decided, but we could well see a blockbuster clash with Nadal.

     

  • Sesko opts for Leipzig stay over Arsenal, Man Utd move due to progress opportunities Sesko opts for Leipzig stay over Arsenal, Man Utd move due to progress opportunities

    Benjamin Sesko remains certain that staying at RB Leipzig is the "right decision" to develop his career after turning down reported Premier League interest.

    Slovenia international Sesko joined Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023, scoring 14 league goals last campaign, a tally bettered by only seven players in the German top flight.

    That form was said to have attracted Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea to the 21-year-old, who instead signed a new five-year contract with the Bundesliga club last month.

    Having committed his future to life at the Red Bull Arena, the striker believes Leipzig will provide a platform for his progression.

    "I thought it through very well," Sesko said to Nogomania, a Slovenian media outlet. "I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things.

    "Leipzig are an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."

    Sesko's new deal could see him stay with Leipzig until 2029, with Marco Rose boasting one of the world's most exciting prospects up top.

    The Leipzig attacker scored from 14 of his 47 shots last season in the league, a conversion rate of 29.8% – the third-best ratio in the 2023-24 Bundesliga among players to have managed at least five goals. 

    That deadly finishing in front of goal will have Rose excited once more, and Sesko says his boss was key to the decision to stay.

    "We talked," Sesko explained. "He told me he wanted me to stay but also said I should decide based on my feelings.

    "He said if I felt I needed to move on, I should go, but if not, I should stay. He's an excellent coach who has led many great players.

    "I'm glad I decided this way. I did it before the Euro to keep a clear head and focus entirely on the championship."

  • Simpson appointed first vice captain for 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team Simpson appointed first vice captain for 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team

    Keegan Bradley has selected former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson as his first vice captain for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

    Simpson, who is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, has lost all three of his appearances in the biennial men's golf competition. 

    The 38-year-old won the U.S. Open in 2012 to secure his first major championship win, and has triumphed in the Presidents Cup on three ocassions. 

    The United States will look to reclaim the Ryder Cup trophy at Bethpage Black in New York next September, having seen Europe win 10 of the last 14 competitions. 

    "Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend," U.S. captain Bradley said.

    "He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win.

    "Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September."

    "I am honoured to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a vice captain in 2025," Simpson added.

    "Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights.

    I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader, and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.