AUGUSTA, Ga. ? The start of the third round of the Masters didn't exactly come off smoothly ? delayed 35 minutes after an apparent error when one player's name was input into the tournament computer twice, causing delay and confusion.
Fourteen groups were sent off the first tee and 11 off the 10th tee, but because the players who began at the first tee were the leading pairings from the scoreboard, the effect was that the leaders played fewer holes to begin the third round.
On the putting green before the round, confusion reigned.
"This is like the dark ages," Bernhard Langer said. "How difficult can it be to get 50 players back on the course?
"I told them I have seen amateur events better organized."
Said Ricci Roberts, the caddie for Ernie Els: "This is unbelievable."
Scott Steele, the caddie for Tim Herron, said, "Let's get to the tee quick before they change their minds."
Five players went off with the wrong partner, according to the scores posted from the second round.
Not until half the field was on the course were pairings officially distributed.
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I rarely register disaapointment or disgust about circumstances or outcomes, so I'm not surprised to see my complete disgust yesterday was well founded.
The real disgust is directed at myself for recognizing the circus, and then hurrying to sign right on up. Stupid is as stupid does.
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SUNDAY:
The Chosen One was handed a couple of shots too many to think his pursuers are up to the task. Some genuine excitement after the 12th hole will be a pleasant surprise.
MATCHUPS:
Campbell(-115) over Appleby @ 5dimes
Bjorn(+100) over DiMarco @ Bet365
- - (DiMarco is +105 @ Olympic)
Parry(-120) over Poulter @ 5dimes
GL