Masters 2012 Leaderboard: Americans Off to Spectacular Start at Augusta National
USA, USA, USA!!!
Aside from your hardcore golf enthusiasts, most fans root for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickleson depending on who you favor. If they are out of it, then the interest turns to any player with an American flag next to their name.
With Tiger shooting an even-par 72 and Mickelson two shots worse at 74, it looks like fans will be rooting for the American flag this weekend.
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After the majority of action in Round 1, there are three players from the states in the top 10.
T4. Ben Crane (-3)
Born in Portland, Oregon Crane hasn’t had a ton of success on the tour since joining in 1999. On Thursday he shook off a slow start to register three birdies on the back-nine.
His driver is looking good and if he keeps himself out of trouble on the par three’s where he struggled Thursday, Crane is in excellent position to finish in the top three.
That’s a big if though with his track record.
T4. Bubba Watson (-3)
From Bagdad, Florida, Watson came out guns a blazing by notching three birdies on the first eight holes. While he cooled off on the back-nine, there is no question Watson is going to be a contender this weekend. Then again, he has never finished higher than 20th in the event.
T4. Jason Dufner (-3)
The Auburn, Alabama resident came out of the gates on fire Thursday.
After 13 holes the 35-year-old shared a piece of the lead before a bogey on 14 dropped him back to third.
After his incredible performance that ended in a playoff loss to Keegan Bradley at the PGA Championship last year, Dufner is a player on the rise that will be in contention throughout the weekend
He is my pick for the highest American finish.
T10. Zach Johnson (-2)
Johnson currently lives in Lake Mary, Florida and has seven wins on the PGA Tour, including a Masters win in 2007.
His second Green Jacket might be on the way after his first round. He started off on fire, hitting three birdies on the front-nine, before cooling off later in the day.
His putting game looks superb and with his experience, Johnson is going to be a factor on Sunday.
Other Americans tied for 10th: Scott Stallings, Fred Couples, Jim Furyk)
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