Augusta Masters: Niemann shows personality in Tiger Woods return to PGA

A historic day for Niemann and Chilean golf, as simple as that. Experiencing a game of the Augusta Masters and being accompanied by Tiger Woods is something few people can say. A difficult test due to the attention and the pressure that one receives during the blows . But that Joaco was not intimidated. He was the star player of the group and led the trio when the “tiger” returned to the circuit. Among the azaleas and magnolias, signed a card -3 . The 15-time major winner closed with a shot under par.

Despite being nearly half an hour late in the early morning groups, no one budged from the first hole tee until Tiger, Niemann and Oosthuizen hit their first shot. All lights were on on Woods’ return after 14 months in recovery because of the car accident he suffered, but the Chilean was ready to command this trio.

Although he put a bogey in the first flag, the talagantino has always been the best of this stellar group. While the South African was quick to add shots and Tiger couldn’t get past par, Joaquín had the pleasure of recovering from that punishment with of them birds in a row in three and four.

Thus, the decision of the organization accompanied by the national who is the second biggest winner in the history of the tournament, began to be justified. And it is that Joaco was not only there because he was the champion of the Genesis Invitational, but also because the people of Augusta gave him a vote of confidence, as one of the youngest players more interesting, and to Latin golf in general. If last year Matsuyama took the jacket, why wouldn’t it be a South American’s turn now? The mainland called for a star group.

And shots like the nine rectified it. It was a time when everyone watching Tiger had no other chance but to get to the Chilean. He landed a second shot from 105 yards and after passing the flagstick, the tilt kicked in and put the ball back in the hole. . A phenomenal eagle, of a world class type. The best thing is that he was the tournament leader at that time.

All this at a time when Tiger closed the first nine holes with par on his card. A birdie and a bogey took stock of the American at the time, who showed some complications in walking. His right foot was clearly suffering from the constant undulations of Augusta’s court.

But despite that, the cheers came every time Woods made even a pair. The audience was bowled over by his presence and gave him all the love they could. There was no one at Augusta National Golf Club who wouldn’t have cheered for the winner of 15 major tournaments. . The pair of 13 and 16 is the one that produced the most madness.

But Tiger was still further back than Niemann. The Chilean constantly took 30 or 40 meters in Cypress and Oosthuizen , stating that of the three, the one in better shape was him. This is why the day was more than profitable for Joaco. On a day when he was under a lot of pressure, he played relaxed and powerful. Some putts weren’t the best and other approaches were short, but it can still happen. The important thing is that after the first 18 holes he was in the table and several times for the repetition of the day. Tomorrow, he will emerge in the same group, perhaps already more accustomed to having to play alongside a legend who wreaks havoc with every step he takes.

The legend celebrates his return to the PGA. He did it on the biggest stage in the world and with the attention of everyone who came to Augusta. The blows have them, but it will be a more physical challenge than golf for Tiger.