The Masters 2024: Gutsy effort as Cam Smith joins Davis in top 10

The ex-British Open champion’s crowning moment was his birdie on the par-three 12th hole, amid wild winds swirling, stopping, and teasing him | LEADERBOARD

Cam Davis is in the hunt at the Masters. Picture: AFP

Cam Smith finished under a crescent-shaped moon. The shadows of the day’s close at Augusta National. It felt like the final overs of a day of Test cricket when bad light threatened to stop play. The ex-British Open champion rode a rollercoaster of birdies, bogeys, near misses, crucial saves, lost opportunities, ups, downs and all-arounds to join fellow Australian Cam Davis in the top 10 after round two of the Masters.

They’re in the hunt. Smith’s crowning moment of a typically gutsy effort was his birdie on the par-three 12th hole. Smith took an eternity on the tee. Wild winds were swirling, stopping, teasing him. Every time he threatened to step to the ball and smite it, another gust nearly knocked him off his feet. He had one club in his hand, had a change of heart, plucked another club for his bag … and hit the most beautiful, arcing tee shot imaginable towards the deepest pocket of Amen Corner.

Cameron Smith during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Picture: Getty Images

After bogeying it the day before, he skipped away with a birdie.

Smith finished round two at one-under for the tournament, trailing Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa and Scottie Sheffler by five strokes with 36 holes to go.

Even more in the thick of proceedings is Davis, who posted a 72 of his own to be three-under and tied for fifth. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods made a 24th consecutive cut before claiming he could overcome his seven-shot deficit to win a sixth green jacket.

“It’s a good test out there right now,” Davis said. “I feel like pars are good scores. There are a few opportunities. If you hit some good tee shots and good approaches into some of the slopes, that can help you out. I had a couple of stumbles but I felt like I battled well and made some nice putts to keep the momentum. Three-under in the conditions I played in, I feel pretty proud of. I feel like I put in my hard work. I’m happy to put my feet up this afternoon.”

It was the sort of wind that might blow a large dog from a chain. Which made you think, what would an 18-handicapper shoot around here? Anywhere from 90 to 110, according to Davis.

“It’s hard out there,” he said. “We’re finding it very difficult to shoot even-par. Eighteen handicap, the thing about this place is there is a lot of room. The greens, they’re big, and they’re slopey. It’s all a matter of being in position. If you have a way of getting in the right distances off the tees, into the greens, you can still shoot good scores out here. But the way it is right now, probably be a tough ask. On a good day, the difference between shooting 90 and 110 is very small out here. On a good day, you could do it.”

Woods optimistic on chances of victory

Woods said: “Just need some food and some caffeine and I’ll be good to go. It means I have a chance going into the weekend. I’m here. I have a chance to win the golf tournament. I don’t know if they’re all going to finish today but I’m done. I got my two rounds in. I’m right there,” he said.

“I don’t think anyone is going to run off and hide right now, but it’s really bunched. The way the ball is moving on the greens, chip shots are being blown, it’s all you want in a golf course today. I’m tired. I’ve been out for a while, competing, grinding. It’s been a long 23 holes (after completing his first round this morning). A long day.”

Woods added: “I’ve always loved playing here. I’ve been able to play here since I was 19 years old. It’s one of the honors I don’t take lightly, being able to compete. The years I’ve missed, I wish I was able to play because there’s such an aura and mystique about playing this golf course that I don’t think that – unless you have played and competed here, you probably don’t really appreciate.”