Van Morrison’s lyrics were ill-prepared to describe such days when golfers on the green found themselves needing to think twice before each swing, as boisterous winds echoed through the lofty pines of the cathedral-like trees. It was a challenge that demanded absolute precision, and the game’s mathematical tactics were put to the test by both golfer and caddie.
Shane Lowry, given the task of driving the shots, and his caddie Darren Reynolds took on this rigorous task with diligence and keen analysis of each shot’s trajectory and distance. They were at it from dawn, with the day kickstarting at 5 am, until the 18th hole’s par putt secured them work for the weekend.
Lowry admitted, “Selecting the wind is a challenge in itself. It’s further complicated on a course like Augusta National which demands surgical accuracy. You have little room to swing and you risk looking foolish even when you do little wrong. I can’t say I’m pleased with my performance in the last two days, but I’m still in the game for the weekend and I’ll try my best.”
Lowry’s frustration was visible at times during his gameplay, particularly during a sequence of three, three-putts within four holes, concluding his first round and marking his second round’s beginning and end. However, his determined efforts in adverse conditions resulted in a second round score of 74 following an opening of 73 for an overall of 147, a three-over-par. Consequently, Lowry extended his Masters’ streak of making the cut to five.
First and foremost for every golfer is ensuring their spot for Saturday and Sunday with recorded scores. Lowry succeeded in this mission, although he admitted he had some catching up to do. “I think I did pretty well. I’m proud to have played the last six holes in one under and make the cut. I’m looking forward to hopefully having a decent weekend,” Lowry concluded.
“The conditions were incredibly challenging and demanding. It was a combination of forecasting and chance in many aspects. It was difficult to sink putts, just as it was to get the ball near the hole. The weather was unpredictably formidable, presenting a luck element never before seen in such intense form. Those were undoubtedly the most demanding two rounds of golf I’ve ever experienced. I’ll have a well-deserved rest tonight!”
Lowry admirably demonstrated resilience. His tee-shot at the tricky yet beautiful par 3 12th landed in the rear bunker, and he didn’t manage to hit par, pushing him over four for the tournament. Worse, he was now beyond the cutline. However, he didn’t lose another shot.
The game-changing birdie happened at the 14th, where he brilliantly hit a 150-yard approach from the rough to four feet. “I confided in Darren before I took my second shot, expressing my doubt about even getting the ball on the green due to the possible overshot, but it actually landed softly and perfectly. As I mentioned before, there is indeed an element of luck in play. I was then able to get the ball down to a remarkable four feet and roll it in.”
With steadfast persistence, Lowry carried on, hitting par and providing numerous birdie opportunities that were frustratingly unattainable. Yet, he managed to succeed in the initial objective of making the cut. “I’m quite pleased with my performance under pressure,” he stated, looking forward to a refreshing night’s sleep and gearing up for more golf over the weekend.