Schauf stuffed up a few times. 3rd, 4th and 5th.
Besides 16, even on 15, he got up and down from the bunker brilliantly, but really, he shouldn't have been in there to begin with and needed to be putting for eagle.
All up, like everyone else chasing the big Matsu, it was an error prone round.
Can't let what I regard as the virtual world championship of golf go without my final comment on Mark Leishman and Aussie players in general.
Just couldn't work out Mark's strategy yesterday. But have to say, I was really disappointed by how defensive he was. We all know the advice on winning at Augusta - keep out of severe trouble; make sure you par most of the really tough par 4s and get birdies or eagle chances on the par 5s.
But Mark was laying up at par 5s like the 13th and 15th (can't remember the others). Sure it worked at 13 with a birdie and almost at 15. However, he gave up any chance of an eagle, unlike other players. Plus, he has proven he has the game to do this; he's long enough, a fine long-iron player, good in the wind (coming from Warnambool) and I've seen him get that great eagle (15th hole?) in a previous Masters.
Maybe he was aiming to just grab a safer, surer birdie, hoping/expecting that when the real heat came on late, some out in front would bust (which actually happened) and leave him with a green jacket by default (Bradbury gold medal style?). Sure, I heard him say he was hoping to go out strong and grab some early birdies but instead bogeyed. So perhaps he decided to go conservative and just ensure a damn good payday.
Overall, just think, you're not going to be in contention in the last round there that often. Forget about what size pay-cheque and throw everything at the glory of winning. I'm not saying attack madly. No, this course is far too hazardous. But just push your capabilities to the limits. Why not me? Give it all you've got (in true Tigers' style). Matsuyama set up his victory by positive, brave golf in the 3rd round that gave him the buffer to hold on for a win.
Final broad comment: Aussie players have the brilliance to win here again, but have to learn that when they get on a great run of under par holes, don't just give it straight back to the course. This is what has prevented my favourite Aussie player, Jason Day, winning. Both Leish and Smith got to about 4 or more under in early rounds, then gave their advantage straight back.
And maybe less on the beers and more on the practice range ... if you want to win this one. Really hard to beat the Yanks who come out of a talent-laden and highly competitive college competition as hardened, confident and ruthless competitors.
But the best internationals are managing to do it some years.
