Amateur Devon Bling takes advantage of Masters weekend opportunity

UCLA's Devon Bling is living his dream this week in his first Masters appearance – getting to play alongside the pros who have had a huge influence on his emerging career.

So Bling was put in a surreal situation Friday after posting 73, which put him on the cut line at 3-over par.

"It was stressful, but I realized it was out of my control. I did whatever I could in the morning to put myself in the position," he said. "I've never rooted for professionals to miss a putt in my life. I don't like to wish bad on anybody, but there was a few putts out there where I was just hoping just miss this one a tiny bit."

On Saturday, Bling took advantage of his chance to play on the weekend – shooting 1-under par 71, his lowest round of the tournament. Bling had six birdies and five bogeys and is at 2-over par.

He chipped to two feet for a birdie on No. 3 and eased in a touchy 4-footer from above the hole for birdie at No. 7. He nearly chipped in for eagle at No. 8, settling for birdie, and drained an 8-footer for another birdie at No. 12. He converted from 12 feet for his final birdie of the day at No. 17.

"I'm hitting the ball incredibly well. I'm shaping it both ways with my irons," said Bling, who qualified as the runner-up at the U.S. Amateur. "I didn't drive it as well as the last few days, but ball striking and putting and chipping I'm very confident in ... my confidence is growing throughout the week."

Bling said he would watch a bit of the tournament Saturday afternoon to see how the leaders fared.

"Obviously they're doing something a little better than us ... because they are 7-under," he said. "So I'll watch to see what they are doing and maybe pick up a few pointers for tomorrow."