Donaldson Tames Wind At Augusta As Woosnam Bows Out

Jamie Donaldson will start the third round of the US Masters just six shots off the lead after a gutsy display in testing conditions on Friday.

The Pontypridd-born golfer carded an even par 72 as the wind took its toll on day two at Augusta.

While others, such as former champion Phil Mickelson were blown by the wayside, Donaldson kept his game together to finish with three birdies and three bogeys for a round that leaves him two over for the tournament – six adrift of leader Jordan Spieth.

It means Donaldson is tied for 23^rd with Paul Casey and Angel Cabrera as he goes into his third round on Saturday.

That opens up a real chance for the 40-year-old to improve on his best Masters finish of tied 14^th two years ago.

While Donaldson comfortably made the cut, fellow Welshman Ian Woosnam bowed out after his second successive round over 80.

The 58-year-old says he has played his last round of Masters golf after finishing his second round 19 over par, following his opening score of 82, by carding an 81.

It is 25 years since Woosnam won at Augusta to become the first – and still only – Welshman to win one of golf’s major championships.

“I am in pain all the way round so it’s time to say bye-bye really,” he said.

There’s not much they can do. I have ankylosing spondylitis and I can’t play with all the slopes here.

“I was swinging it beautiful before I came here. I am always taking painkillers just to play golf but it’s just too tough here for me.

“I said in the past that if I started shooting in the 80s I would call it a day.”

Woosnam carded a double bogey, eight bogeys and a solitary birdie on the 15th in his final competitive round at Augusta.

But he could take the positives from finishing with a par on the 18th, just as he did in 1991 to edge out Jose Maria Olazabal and Tom Watson for the Green Jacket.

“That was a great way to finish. The 18th was as well as I played this week,” added Woosnam.

“It’s just getting really tough. That’s my last go. I am not fit enough to play with my bad back.

“Every time I play this course it just seizes on me and I can’t swing the club properly.

“It’s time for me to sit back and watch. I’ll still keep coming to the tournament obviously.

“It’s a shame to finish off playing like that but you can only do your best. Never mind, I’ve still got a green jacket.”