It is officially spring, because the world’s best golfers are competing against each other in Augusta, Georgia for the 2021 Masters Tournament. In the wake of Covid-19 there have been a few adjustments to one of golf’s biggest tournaments.
All patrons must show proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours even if they are vaccinated. Additionally, all members of the audience must wear face coverings (does not include neck gaiters or bandanas) unless they are actively eating or drinking. Social distancing is encouraged and all concessions are purchased through contactless payment methods.
The first two days of the 2021 Masters Tournament were pretty dramatic with some of this year’s biggest names unable to make the cut. Jason Day, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Patrick Cantalay were unable to qualify for the final two days of the tournament. However, this year’s most shocking player eliminated is Dustin Johnson. Johnson won last year’s Tournament and even broke scorecard records with his unbelievable performance. Johnson blamed his poor performance on his short game stating that he drove well but couldn’t get his putting under control.
Justin Rose was an early favorite to win this year’s tournament, shooting seven under par on day one. Rose started day two with a few bogeys on the front nine but quickly recovered on the back nine to end the day with an even par. Day three resulted in the exact same score for Rose who is currently tied for second.
Jordan Spieth was also an early favorite to win the Tournament after he won last week’s Valero open in San Antonio, Texas. Spieth has been playing exceptionally well over the last 10 weeks. His driving and short game has improved to the point where he has been able to score consistently. This is something that Spieth has struggled with over the past two years. However, Spieth is struggling to make a real statement at this Masters tournament. It will be interesting to see if Spieth can fight his way back to first as he is currently tied for fourth place at five under par.
Hideki Matsuyama shot very consistently on day one to open up day two with a score of three under par. Matsuyama had a slow day on his second round but continued to rise in the leaderboards by ending with a score of four under. Matsuyama’s third round is one of the most impressive he has ever played. He shot seven under par to place him at a four stroke lead moving into the final day. Matsuyama currently sits at eleven under.
There is currently a four-way tie for second place with Zalatoris, Schauffele, Leishman and Rose all fighting for Matsuyama’s place. All four players are starting the final round at seven underpar.
If Matsuyama manages to pull through and maintain his lead he will become the first Asian player to ever win the masters in its 87 year history.
