Masters 2012: Players off to Shaky Starts Who Must Improve to Make the Cut

The 2012 Masters is well underway, but a number of golfers cannot be too happy with their performance over the first 18 holes of the tournament.

The cut is established after 36 holes are played, meaning these three men need to come back tomorrow with a much improved game and have a strong round—or risk sitting out and losing their chance at a green jacket. 

Adam Scott

Scott was one of the favorites in this tournament and many fans and pundits believed he could legitimately win.

However, he started poorly and wound up at three-over-par on the first day.  That isn’t acceptable, and he’s going to have a tough time battling back from this deficit.

Unless he makes major improvements tomorrow, Scott is going to be a huge disappointment.

Luke Donald

The world’s No. 1 golfer is currently +3 through 11 holes. If he continues this poor play, he’s going to miss the cut and possibly lose his ranking.

The Englishman is much better than this and has done extremely well at Augusta in the past, so expect him to turn it around over these next few holes and have a strong second day.

Jason Day

Day is reportedly dealing with an ankle injury, which could explain why the Australian is +2 through 17 holes.

The discomfort cannot be helping him, and if it gets worse it could mean he will be missing the cut.

No one wants to see that, so hopefully he can get some proper rest and come back tomorrow with a more solid round.