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Posted November 13, 2020, 11:31 am
BY
Doug Stutsman
|
For The Augusta Chronicle

For Rickie Fowler, John Augenstein, 12th hole was pivot point in delayed first Masters round

  • Article Photos
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    U.S. Amateur runner-up John Augenstein is the low amateur after round 1 of the Masters Tournament. Paired with Rickie Fowler and Danny Willet, Augenstein shot 69. [Michael Madrid/USA TODAY Sports]

Rickie Fowler was bogey-free after 11 holes on Thursday. Then, as the sun vanished behind Amen Corner, so did his flawless round.

Fowler’s tee shot spun back into the water at the par-3 12th. Following a penalty drop, his third shot found the back bunker, and his fourth failed to reach the putting surface. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the horn sounded.

Playing partner John Augenstein elected to finish the hole Thursday afternoon, but Fowler marked his ball.

“I elected to putt out last night because I'd rather have a 3 wood off a tee than an eight-foot birdie putt to come out of the gate,” Augenstein said. “I just felt more comfortable putting out last night.”

Fowler finished the 12th hole Friday morning, and ended with a triple bogey — the lone miscue on an otherwise clean scorecard. He went on to make birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 and ended Friday morning with an opening round 70.

Augenstein, an amateur from Vanderbilt, closed with 69 to lead all amateurs after round one. He said the greens played faster Friday morning and expects the course to get teeth by the weekend.

“It's going to be warm this afternoon and no rain for the next three days it looks like,” Augenstein said. “So I would imagine it gets a little tougher each day.”

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