For a second consecutive year, a southpaw is making noise in the Masters Tournament. This time, it's not Mike Weir (Stats | Bio) .

Introducing Steve Flesch (Stats | Bio) , a fiery, fair-skinned Kentuckian who is making waves in his second trip here.

After carding a first-round 4-over-par 76, Flesch tied for the day's low round with 67 on Friday. He stands at 1-under after 36 holes and finds himself in contention entering the weekend.

"The biggest thrill for me is making the cut for the first time in my second appearance," he said. "Every time I come to a tournament, I expect to play well and hope to compete. After yesterday's round - not that I felt out of it - I was kind of frustrated."

Playing in the afternoon Thursday, Flesch was perplexed by Augusta National Golf Club's greens, finishing last in putting in the 93-player field.

He slapped the ball around 37 times, including four three-putts.

Instead of working on his putting afterward, Flesch - who's playing his fifth tournament in a row and 12th this year - left and went to bed early.

"Rest usually does me more good than anything. It rejuvenates me," he said. "I'm the king of being tough on myself on the golf course. Sometimes getting away from it and starting fresh the next day is the best thing. I'm really glad I got to play early today so I didn't have time to stew about it."

Soft greens early Friday helped him roll the ball better. Flesch drained birdie putts of 12 feet and eight feet on the first two holes to spark his play.

He remained at 2-under entering the par-5 15th, where he stiffed a 5-iron to 18 inches for eagle. He followed with his longest birdie putt of the day, a 16-footer at No. 17.

"I'm glad to have played well enough to be here on the weekend," he said.

Flesch first played in the 2001 Masters, but had a short stay. He shot 74-76 to miss the cut.

Last year, Flesch missed the cut in the BellSouth Classic and returned to his home in Union, Ky., to watch the Masters on television. What he saw was Mike Weir (Stats | Bio) becoming the first left-hander to win the coveted green jacket.

"Mike putted extremely well last year, which is what you have to do," Flesch said. "The ball is always below your feet on the back nine, as a lefty. I'd rather play with the ball above my feet. It's all about comfort level, really. Not that many lefties have played here over the years, but I do think it's harder for a lefty to go around here, especially the back nine, and feel comfortable hitting the shot.

"Out here you have to hit 15 shots right to left. That's not my forte."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.