Kisner makes the cut at Masters

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Kevin Kisner hits out of the sand on #2 during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Augusta, Georgia. (MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF)

Kevin Kisner is looking forward to playing Augusta National in calm conditions.

If the forecast for the weekend holds true, he’ll get his wish.

The Aiken native made the cut in his second Masters Tournament but struggled to 3-over 75 as strong winds raked the course once again. Kisner stands at 5-over 149 for the tournament.

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“I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in some better conditions where we can actually attack,” said Kisner, who played in the afternoon when the winds were strongest. “I’ve just been holding on for dear life.”

In his Masters debut a year ago, wind also was a factor.

Kisner parred the first two holes Friday and birdied No. 3 for a strong start, but he soon ran into trouble. He sandwiched bogeys at Nos. 4 and 7 around a double bogey at No. 5, where he hit a poor chip.

“I had a couple of short-game blunders on the front when you don’t need them,” he said. “I battled it out to make the cut.”

Kisner played his final 11 holes in even par with two birdies against two bogeys. At nine shots off the lead, he knows he will have to do something special to get into contention.

“I’ve got to go out and shoot something low on the front,” he said.

On a lighter note, Kisner played Augusta National last month with Georgia football coach Kirby Smart.

“He plays golf like he coaches,” Kisner said with a laugh. “He’s intense; he yells at his ball.”

Kisner and Smart played the tournament tees. The round fell on a rare day off for the coach as the Bulldogs go through spring practice.

“I think he’s a great guy, and I hope he does great for the program,” Kisner said.