AUGUSTA, Ga. – On a day when there seemed to be as much red at Augusta National as green, Webb Simpson carded the day’s second 8-under 64 to take the clubhouse lead at the 83rd Masters. Simpson’s personal best at Augusta included seven birdies and an eagle.
Patrick Cantlay actually posted the first 64 of the day.
Then in the afternoon Tony Finau did likewise, marking the first time three rounds of 64 or better were posted on the same day at the Masters.
Simpson, making his eighth Masters start, was the second man to step onto the 18th tee Saturday needing a birdie to match the course record of 9-under 63, set first by Nick Price in 1986 and then Greg Norman in 1996.
MASTERS: Saturday’s Tiger Tracker | Leaderboard
Patrick Cantlay, 27, playing in his third Masters, broke 70 for the first time at Augusta in style, carding eight birdies in a blemish-free 64.
Simpson hit a 6-iron from 202 yards into the closing par-4 to a back-right hole location. His 47-foot par attempt never scared the hole.
The 2012 U.S. Open champion has never held a share of the lead at day’s end at Augusta.
“There was enough humidity in the air that the greens were softer, a little more receptive,” said Simpson. “We’re still playing pretty safe on most of these holes.”
Simpson’s Saturday highlights included an eagle at the par-5 13th from 37 feet and 14-of-14 fairways.
Last year, Simpson said he learned the importance of keeping away from the spots that take away par as an option.
“It’s tough in the moment,” he said, “takes a lot of discipline.”
Tony Finau told Jim Nantz of CBS that the “conditions are perfect. A lot of use have learned. … how the holes are playing and we used that to our advantage.”
