The buzz and expectations were high Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. During this first round of the revered Masters Golf tournament, fans were expecting big things from Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, hoping to set up an ultimate showdown.
But seemingly out of nowhere, the streaky Chad Campbell burned up the course, with five straight birdies, and was at 9-under through 15 and eventually settled down after two closing bogeys with a 7-under-par 65.
Chad’s opening five consecutive birdies bested the previous record of four by a former Masters champion, Ben Crenshaw. Three more rounds will be played Friday through Sunday with more surprises expected at this special sports theater known for its high drama.
The Masters Tradition
What makes the Masters so special is that it is played every year at the same course, unlike the other three majors that are played at different courses every year.
Bobby Jones, the modern day father of golf, known for his fabulously smooth swing and domination of the sport, founded this most revered of golf tournaments. Jones actually remains president in perpetuity of the Augusta National Golf Club.
The Masters is as Americana as the Super Bowl and has become part of the fabric of great U.S. sports venues. Everyone, it seems, with a TV is now familiar with the traditional talk in Butler cabin with the new champion and the donning of the cherished green jacket. It is arguably the most revered of all the American major golf championships.
Tiger Still in the Hunt
Tiger Woods closed with a 2-under-par 70 putting him five shots back of the leader Campbell. However, Woods has won three previous Masters after opening with a 70. So a win is still in the cards. Woods is looking for his fifth Green Jacket in pursuit of surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ 6 Green Jackets.
Phil Mickelson shot a 1-over-par 73. He is tied for 51st place.
Top Five Scores:
1. Chad Campbell -7 65T2. Jim Furyk -6 66
T2. Hunter Mahan -6 66
T4. Shingo Katayama -5 67
T4. Larry Mize -5 67
