DeChambeau, Koepka look to maintain momentum at the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Bryson DeChambeau swears by science. Brooks
Koepka is all about his routine.
The Americans atop the Masters leaderboard have vastly different
strategies when it comes to golf, but both have figured out
something that works at Augusta National. They each shot a 6-under
66 in the opening round - blazing through the back nine - and will
look to keep that momentum going when they tee off Friday morning.
The 25-year-old DeChambeau charged up the leaderboard on Thursday
by making birdies on six of the final seven holes. His only setback
was a bogey on No. 14.
DeChambeau said improved play with his wedges and irons has made a
major difference in his game. After Thursday's round, he detailed a
marathon 14-hour practice session last week in Dallas where he
tried to figure out the problem. He used terms like ''spin loft
curve'' to describe.
Not everyone understood. But DeChambeau does, and that's really all
that matters. Now he feels like he's ready to contend for the win
in his third Masters appearance.
''I don't know if I'm going to be able to figure out every little
nuance of this golf course in my third year playing,'' DeChambeau
said. ''But what I can do is prepare as good as I can and be
comfortable with my own game in any situation; so that when I get
out here, any situation that arises, I feel I can execute and play
the game that's necessary.''
The 28-year-old Koepka also had an impressive finish on Thursday.
He played a bogey-free round and made five birdies on the back
nine. As usual, his combination of long, straight drives and solid
putting was a formidable mix.
He's already won three majors, including two U.S. Opens and a PGA
Championship. Now it looks like he's ready to contend at the
Masters after missing last year's tournament because of a wrist
injury.
''I keep pretty much the same routine for all the majors,'' Koepka
said. ''It's very simple. There's no added stress during the week.
It's pretty much the same people that are staying with me.''
Plenty of big names are chasing DeChambeau and Koepka. Three-time
Masters winner Phil Mickelson is one shot back after shooting a 67.
The 48-year-old was at even par through 11 holes on Thursday before
closing with five birdies on the final seven holes.
Ian Poulter and Dustin Johnson are two shots back. Adam Scott and
Jon Rahm are in a group that's three back. Tiger Woods begins the
day four shots back after shooting a 70.
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04-11-2019 23:28:14