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The Punter's Masters Diary: Tiger breaks 70 and old-timers shine

The Punter RSS / / 09 April 2010 /

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Fred Couples –Shot his best ever round at Augusta yesterday

Fred Couples –Shot his best ever round at Augusta yesterday

“History shows that a fast start here is essential and although it’s early days for predictions, I think the winner is highly likely to come from the current top 11.”

It's been a good start for the Punter, as old Boom Boom takes route 66 to the top of the day one leaderboard...

The big question before play began at this year's US Masters was how was Tiger Woods going to play after his break? But from the moment he drilled his drive straight down the middle of the first fairway the answer was never really in doubt.

He was fortunate on one or two holes but he made the most of his luck and went on to shoot a four under par 68, which, almost incredibly, was the first time in 16 appearances that he's managed to break 70 on day one. And on the way he managed two eagles, at the eighth and 15th holes, and that too was a first for Woods. In short, he was as rusty as a new pin and those who took him on must be regretting their decision.

Day one at Augusta wasn't all about Tiger though; the real stars of the show were the old-timers. Sandy Lyle, Bernard Langer, and Tom Watson all rolled back the years and shot under par rounds before Fred Couples eclipsed everyone and shot his best ever round at Augusta, a six under par 66, to hold the overnight lead.

The first of my seven picks to enter the fray were Martin Kaymer and Chad Campbell. The pair were atrocious and will do very well to make the cut, but that was the only bad news. My other five - Tiger, Phil Mickelson, YE Yang, KJ Choi, and Nick Watney are all handily placed in the top 11.

History shows that a fast start here is essential and although it's early days for predictions, I think the winner is highly likely to come from the current top 11. Not only is it hard to overcome a slow start but to do so and get past such a collection of top quality players is a huge ask.

I haven't had any further bets yet but it may be a completely different story tomorrow. With five of the top 11 all covered, I really ought to be able to put myself in a good position going into the weekend.

Of the six in the top 11 that I haven't got onside, the market suggests I have most to fear from Lee Westwood. However, I'm no fan and I can't touch him at a single-figure price. The two that interest me the most at this stage are Anthony Kim and Ian Poulter but I'm going to hang on and see what happens on Friday.

I'll post an update again after the cut tomorrow, when the event really will have taken shape.

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