Fresno State Athletics
Watney in the Hunt at the Masters
4/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 11, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Former Fresno State golf standout Nick Watney propelled himself on the leaderboard with two-under par 70, at the 2008 Masters hosted by the famed Augusta National Golf Club.
The three-time All-American makes his first appearance at the Masters after winning the 2007 Zurich Classic of New Orleans by three strokes.
The former No. 1 ranked collegiate player had four birdies and two bogeys on Friday on the renowned par 72, 7,445-yard course. Combined with his first round of 75, Watney sits at one-over par 145, nine shots off the lead.
Watney is one of eight players tied for 21st place, one-stroke ahead of the 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson and two-strokes behind the pre-tournament favorite Tiger Woods.
Watney's average driving distance is 301.25 yards better than the field average with his longest drive firing 330 yards on the fifth hole. Trevor Immelman is the current leader with eight-under par 136. Brandt Snedeker is a stroke behind Immelman with 137.
Fresno State men's golf Coach Mike Watney, travelled to Augusta to watch his nephew and former player compete in his first-ever Masters appearance.
"It is very exciting here," said Mike Watney. "It is unbelievable, we had two nice days and now there is 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. This course is so tough with such fast greens it is a real test. Nick has played very solid, with one of the top scores today. It will be an exciting weekend."
The 72-hole tournament continues through Sunday, April 13. ESPN provides live television coverage from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (PDT) on April 11. CBS TV televises third and fourth round action.
