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Streaky Chad Campbell putting fears of “U.S. Open in March” to rest

Five birdies in a row to start the round?!  That has to be some kind of record.  Four more in a row on the back nine (as we go to press!), including 2-under at Amen Corner?!  Somebody get a fire hose, because Chad Campbell is just sizzling like a Peter Luger’s grill.  63 is not only a course record, (should he finish with two pars), but also a major championship record.

Jim Furyk finally got off to a good start at a Masters with a 6-under 66.  Other major champions with great first rounds include Larry Mize at  5-under, (What? Did he drink from the fountain of youth?  He won his last major in 1987!), Angel Cabrera, Todd Hamilton, and Mike Weir at 4-under, and Padraig Harrrington at 3-under.

Interesting stat:  Tiger Woods is 15-under for his career at Amen Corner.

So all the talk of how Augusta will never be the same, and that we’ll forever have “U.S. Opens in march” may have been a little premature.  The soft conditions and laid-back hole locations were part of the reason, but the rest is the course changes.  See my preview piece for more.

***update*** right after I post, he finishes bogey-bogey to end the day at 7-under 65.  Not only that, but now he’s tied with Hunter Mahan instead of in sole posession of the lead.