Anand Datla
April 08, 2016: On a windy day at Augusta, when playing golf was miserably difficult, Anirban Lahiri made a respectable 73, despite suffering four bogeys. It was a gritty performance that underlined Anirban’s ability to work his way back from difficult situations. But as it is, he is still hurting from the 76 he made on Thursday, which is the reason he is waiting nervously in the clubhouse to lear his fate for the weekend.
Friday Round 2 Pin Locations
The pins were hard and the wind gave them added protection on Friday, constantly bringing the sand and water into play again. Lahiri showed character, working his way back – he was better than yesterday on the both nines. Under normal circumstances, it isn’t much to say when you are working off a 76.
But given the conditions at Augusta and this being the Masters, Anirban played well to shoot 35 (36 in R1) and 38 (40) on Friday. Unfortunately for Lahiri, he could not take advantage of the par-5 holes. He was even on 2 & 8 and made bogeys on 13 & 15, cutting his chances for a more pronounced recovery.
Anirban was two under through six holes, with birdies at 3 & 5. He gave one back to the course at the par-4 7th hole before regaining the shot at the 11th. He was two under through twelve, but made bogeys on 13, 15 & 17 to sign on his 73. (Latest Golf News)
“I missed putts from 8 to 10 feet on 13, 15 and 16,” said a frustrated Anirban. “I would love to stay the weekend. I should try and play the par-5 holes much better if I do.
“I am not playing badly, but it is the small margins that are going against me,” added Anirban, just moments after completing his second round.
At the halfway stage of the 80th Masters, Anirban has made 5 birdies, 7 bogeys, a double at the 16th on Thursday and 23 pars. He is making just 50% greens in regulation and will be concerned by the fact that he made just 44% in the second round.
When he looks at his numbers closely, Anirban will wonder why he couldn’t convert better, having hit 75% of the fairways these past two days. Even more so considering that this number went upto 86% on Friday.
Golf gives you second chances and Lahiri will have his on Saturday when he plays the third round. We can only hope that the wind turns in his favour tomorrow.
