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The Masters: First-timer Will Zalatoris impresses

By DJ Cadden

Sep 19, 2020; Mamaroneck, New York, USA; Will Zalatoris looks over his yardage book from the third tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club - West. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2020; Mamaroneck, New York, USA; Will Zalatoris looks over his yardage book from the third tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club - West. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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In 85 Masters tournaments, only three golfers have ever won the prestigious event on their first trip to Augusta. Will Zalatoris would like to add his name to that list.

In 1979, Fuzzy Zoeller became the first golfer since 1935 to win The Masters in his first appearance. Horton Smith and Gene Sarazen were the first two golfers to win in their first attempt at The Masters, in 1934 and 1935 respectively.

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Zalatoris, one of six first-timers in 2021, has been on a rapid ascent throughout the 2021 season and was a sleeper pick for many prior to this week.

Zalatoris did not disappoint in his first competitive round at the Augusta National.

Zalatoris left a birdie putt just a foot short on hole No. 1 to start a streak of four consecutive pars to begin the round.

On the par-four fifth, Zalatoris found himself on the backside of the green. The youngster almost chipped in for birdie, but a two-putt gave Zalatoris his first bogey of the day.

Zalatoris rebounded with back-to-back pars before carding his first birdie of the day on the par-5 eighth.

After turning the corner at even par, Zalatoris nearly saved a par after finding the bunker on No.10. Despite his efforts, Zalatoris came a foot short and record his second bogey of the round.

After this bogey to open the back nine, Zalatoris rebounded in a big way.

After a par on No. 11, Zalatoris recorded consecutive birdies on holes 12 and 13.

Perhaps the highlight of Zalatoris’ day was on hole No.15, where the 24-year old carded an eagle three after aggressively playing over the infamous pond.

Next. 2021 Masters: Top 10 power rankings for Augusta National. dark

Hitting 14 of 18 greens in regulation is a great formula to go low at Augusta, which Zalatoris will hope to continue to do as the weekend progresses.

A bogey four on the par-3 16th pushed Zalatoris’ score to 2-over, which is currently just one back of the leaders.

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