Open champion Henrik Stenson made a spectacular start to the second round of the Olympic golf tournament despite miserable conditions at Reserva de Marapendi.
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– Marcus Fraser took a three-shot lead with the lowest Olympic round and Justin Rose scored the first Games hole in one when golf returned to the schedule after a 112-year absence.
But this was hardly a masterpiece. Later in the day, the wind made it tough for players to hit the greens on some holes. Then, at the third, his drive went into the water, and after a drop he managed to get a 4-wood to the very front of the green.
The 27-year-old former LSU player was facing a 6-foot par putt on the par-4 15th hole when play was called for the day.
“Anytime you play with Stenson at the weekend you know you are doing something right”, Fraser said. That’s the longest putt I’ve made in my career, I would say. “First of all it’s hard to get a putt that long on any green in the world; maybe on the double greens at St Andrews you can find one”.
Stenson finished his round with two bogeys and three birdies over the final five holes and lamented some missed opportunities.
Australia’s Marcus Fraser torched the brand-new Brazilian course and led the opening round with an eight-under 63, birdying five of the first six holes. “All in all, happy with that”.
We’re halfway through, but it’s time to start thinking about medals.
Justin Rose 136 (67, 69): “I don’t think we knew what to expect (from the Olympic Games golf) and I think it has exceeded expectations, for sure”.
With numerous world’s best electing not to compete, there was nearly a militant attitude from those who came, who include major winners Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer, Padraig Harrington, Bubba Watson, Danny Willett and Justin Rose, as well as top-liners such as Sergio Garcia, Matt Kuchar, Patrick Reed and Ricky Fowler.
Reinforcing that image, Fraser will be in Corowa, just days after returning from Rio, to enjoy a welcome home party at the club next Saturday night. I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable with the golf course and hopefully I’m not too far back to make a good run this weekend and I’ll have a chance at a medal.
Biggest disappointment: The United States is the only country in the men’s event with the maximum four representatives, but after 36 holes, not one of them is any closer than seven shots behind Fraser.
“When you are out at a PGA Tour event, you might be the favourite player for a handful of people but there is a lot more incentive for people to come out (at the Olympics)”, gushed Rose, who carries British medal hopes in Rio along with Masters champion Danny Willett. Before a small group of reporters, he put on Twitter, “See you guys next week” at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina.
“The Ryder cup is two months away – surely this isn’t affecting it”. Fowler has slipped to No. 12, and while Love gets four captain’s picks, the three guys ahead of him are, Brandt Snedeker, Kuchar and Watson.
“Main reason, obviously it would be nice to get some more FedEx Cup points”, said Fowler, who is No. 29 on that list.
Better yet? He set an Olympic record Thursday, though that was hardly a surprise considering golf had not been part of the Olympics since 1904.
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“This is man I would have seen at sports awards for 20 years and I’d go: ‘I want to be like that.’ I mightn’t have a gold medal but at least I’m an Olympic athlete”.
