2010 Masters - Day 2

Friday was a very tough day at Augusta National. After all the red numbers in the first round, I wasn't surprised that things got tougher in round two. The tees, the pins and the wind all combined to make it one of the more challenging days at this golf course.

Still, I felt like I played well on Friday, consistent for most of the day. But for some reason, I just couldn't get a putt to drop. I had so many putts that hit lips today at one point Lee Westwood, who I was playing with, started to chuckle. I mean, you never expect to get them all to drop, especially around Augusta, but it was almost to the point of being crazy. Time and time again, I hit a lip and spun out. Still, you accept things like this at majors and you have to be patient. I was actually proud of the way I managed to stay patient through the round. Despite the struggles with the hole, I really never got rattled, just continued to play on. But in retrospect, it does eat at you.

One part of my game I was happy with was my chipping. I hit a lot of good short shots, many of them for saves and some to set up birdie chances. You always have to count on good wedge play at Augusta and that's been a strength for me so far. I did have a strange one on the 18th where I drove my ball into the woods on the left and got stuck in a bush. I thought about taking a drop but then I decided to bash it out. I ended up with a bogey, which, under the circumstances wasn't too bad.

Overall, I think I can still be a factor in the tournament. I need a good solid round on Saturday and I know if I keep playing the way I am and get a few breaks and a few putts to drop, I can make a move. That's what I'll be after in round three.

Mike