Howell found bunkers, but not his momentum
Web posted
Sunday, April 10, 2005
The one thing Charles Howell never wanted to experience in his hometown major - missing the cut - came to pass Saturday when his bunker shot rolled to a stop just inches from the cup on No. 18.
For the first time in four Masters appearances - as well as any major championship since his debut at the 2001 U.S. Open - Howell will sit out the final two rounds.
His 5-over finish missed the cut by one shot. It was a particularly painful departure for the Augusta native, who grew up playing the game in the shadow of Augusta National Golf Club.
"Obviously, this tournament is extremely important to me," Howell said. "I love it more than anything in the world. But the best way to get yourself into contention on Sunday is to get there."
Howell is off to one of his best starts on the PGA Tour, but his momentum didn't carry into the Masters. His chances derailed Saturday at Amen Corner, just through the trees from where he grew up playing Augusta Country Club.
He came to the 11th hole at 3-over and left the 13th hole at 6-over. After a bogey on No. 11, Howell pulled his wedge at the par-3 12th into the flowering yellow bushes left of the green. Playing partner Davis Love III found the ball buried in a bush, but after a drop Howell missed a 6-footer for bogey.
"Just a bad shot," he said. "It was actually a perfect wedge for me. There wasn't any excuse - no wind, no nothing - I just pulled the shot."
Knowing he needed to make up ground on the remaining par-5s, Howell pulled his drive on No. 13 into the trees on the left, dropping beside the tributary of Rae's Creek well short of the dogleg. He managed only par.
"After No. 12 I knew I had to get to plus-4," Howell said. "I was trying to get around the corner. I was grinding."
Howell birdied the par-5 15th to get back to the edge of the cut line. But well-played bunker shots on Nos. 16 and 18 just missed, and his 25-foot birdie putt on No. 17 failed.
"It was a good effort there on 18," he said of his blast from a buried lie. "I was hoping it would go in, but, oh well."
The unexpected disappointment left Howell scratching his head for answers but not making any excuses.
"I got off to a good start to the year, so I was really looking forward to this event," Howell said. "For some reason I just couldn't keep it together.
"It's hard to say. I felt like I played a lot better than I scored. I'm sure a lot of guys can probably say the same thing. It's just one of those deals."
Howell's dream of winning the Masters will have to wait at least one more year.
"I'm not sure quite yet what I need to do differently," Howell said. "I'll sit back and take a look a couple days removed from it.''
Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219 or scott.michaux@augustachronicle.com.
