By JAMES ACHENBACH
The Masters is all about tradition. Continuing a tradition that started, well, Thursday, here are Friday’s award winners from the Masters.
The Ricky/Rickie award: It’s a tie between Ricky Barnes and Rickie Fowler, as both are 5 under par, maintaining equality in the colorful world of Ricky-Rickie.
The Lefty/Lefty award: It is only fitting that Ricky/Rickie is followed by Lefty/Lefty. Those rooting for Bubba Watson to overtake Phil Mickelson were disappointed, as Lefty Phil finished at 2-under and two ahead of Lefty Bubs.
The golfer formerly known as No. 1 award: World No. 1 Martin Kaymer played like a chop, stumbling home with 78-72. At this rate, he’ll lose his top billing. He’s now oh-for-4 in the Masters, missing four straight cuts.
The best old guy award: Fred Couples, 51, is lurking in a sixth place tie (old guys know how to lurk).
The jolliest new Brit award: This coveted award goes to Alan Holmes, the new chairman of the R&A’s Rules of Golf Committee. Holmes, a rules expert and a very congenial fellow, formerly manufactured, distributed and retailed his own beer in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was on hand to help explain the kinder, gentler new ruling about infractions spotted by television viewers.
The low American award: Wait a minute! Until Tiger Woods made a late charge, there weren’t any low Americans. Not by comparison with Rory McIlroy, anyway. Through most of the afternoon, the entire top five was composed of visitors from continents (perhaps it is planets) far, far away. Woods, with birdies at 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 and 18, played his way into a third-place tie.
The Gary Player award for embellishment: Phil Mickelson loves everything about the Masters. He could write a country song about this place. He probably loves the potholes on Washington Road. He probably thinks the spring pollen is love potion from the gods. Hitting from the trees, which he is required to do frequently, is undoubtedly a naturalistic experience for Phil.
Looking for my putting stroke award: Major champions Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen earmarked this category as their own. McDowell had 70 putts in 36 holes, while Oosthuizen had 68. In between was Heath Slocum with 69. Padraig Harrington joined Oosthuizen with 68. By pro standards, these numbers are horrific.
The three-whack, can I have that one back award: Graeme McDowell had stiff competition in this category. He three-putted 6 times in 36 holes. Right behind with 5 three-jacks were Vijay Singh, Padraig Harrington, Jhonattan Vegas and Jerry Kelly.
The please save me from the sand award: Davis Love III attempted eight greenside bunker shots in 36 holes, getting up-and-down only once.
Fot more awards, go to Golfweek.com.
