 Arnold Palmer bade an emotional farewell to Augusta |
The main talking point at Augusta on Friday was Arnold Palmer's final round as he bowed out after playing 50 Masters in a row.
The four-time champion has been such a big part of the Masters and although he is adored by golf fans wherever he goes he is particularly loved at Augusta.
It was very moving when Arnie was in tears coming up the last few holes and his farewell was the day's highlight for the American fans.
From the English viewpoint, however, it was all about Justin Rose, who put a superb round together under a lot of pressure.
To follow up his 67 with a 71 was a fine achievement because as the week goes on the pressure builds.
He was playing with Chris DiMarco again and they seemed to feed off each other.
At one point they shared the lead before DiMarco fell away at the end, which is so easy to do at Augusta.
Arnie may definitely have played his final round but Jack Nicklaus announced it might be also be his last Masters.
He played so poorly in the first round last year that he wanted to come back and produce something more in keeping with his ability and reputation.
He missed the cut by a couple of strokes but a pair of 75s is pretty good going at the age of 64.
Personally I think he may come back but who knows? It depends on whether his game it up to it.
 Tiger Woods was back in control of his game on Friday |
Tiger Woods did pretty well. He produced a superb finish by birdieing three of the last four and he is right back in it.
He knows where the winning post is and although he will have to find his best game over the weekend if he is going to win, he has given himself a chance.
Two other big names are also right in the frame.
Jose Maria Olazabal, who is tied for second on four under, putted exceptionally well.
He holed a couple of monster putts at the 13th and 14th which were probably about 80 feet in total and turned a steady round in a very good one.
Ernie Els is a couple of shots further back.
He drove well but although he did not make the most of his opportunities at two under will be feeling fairly satisfied.
On the other hand Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie will both be feeling bitterly disappointed after missing the cut.
That is something Sandy Lyle has got all too used to over recent years and his fans will be delighted to see him there for the weekend.
But there can be no doubting Friday's highlight. The sun shone and Arnie said cheerio. It was an emotional day at Augusta.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
