The 2016 Masters, the 80th playing of the season’s first major is halfway home.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers after 36 holes:
THE WINNERS:
Jordan Spieth: This time last year he was 14-under par. Now he’s four but still hanging on my his fingernails to a one-shot lead over Rory McIlroy. He’s led the Masters for six consecutive rounds.
Rory McIlroy: He’s right there after two days in his quest to win the career Grand Slam.
Bryson DeChambeau: An amateur is right there in the hunt under very difficult conditions. Talk about a Cinderella story.
Bernhard Langer: The two-time Masters champ is tied for 15th after rounds of 72-73. He’s 58 years old.
Scott Piercy and Danny Lee: These guys are tied for third. Really?
Dustin Johnson: In at even par and in contention. Does he have enough mental horsepower to contend on Sunday?
Sergio Garcia: Like DJ, in at even par. Wow!
Kiradech Aphibarnrat: Anyone with a last name like that deserves recognition!
Danny Willett: Second best player in Europe. In at even par and no one knows who he is unless you follow the European Tour.
Tom Watson: Playing in his last Masters. Missed the cut, but Tom Watson is and has always been a winner and great gentleman.
THE LOSERS:
Phil Mickelson: His caddy Bones MacKay said he’s going to win another Masters. Not this year. Phil double-bogeyed the 15th and 16th holes and missed the cut by a shot. Come on Phil, you’re supposed to be better than that!
Rickie Fowler: A pre-tournament favorite. He was in a state of shock after shooting 80 on Thursday. Shot 73 on Saturday but too little, too late. Perhaps the most disappointing performance by a player who was supposed to do well.
Zach Johnson: Opened with 72, shot 80 on Friday. The Champion Golfer of the Year isn’t supposed to do stuff like that.
Charl Schwartzel: Was supposed to be one of the stylish picks this week. Fell flat on his face with 76-76.
Steven Bowditch: Shot 79-82. This guy should be banned from competition in majors until he can break 75.
Ian Woosnam: Former champion shot 81-82 then called it quits for good citing a bad back that hampers him. If he has a bad back at his age, he should have called it quits last year. Come on Woosie! Better to call it a year early than a year late.
Ernie Els: Ernie’s a nice guy. Pray for Ernie. He has the YIPS, extreme YIPS.
