Gary Woodland’s last trip to the Masters two years ago saw him shoot an 85 in the third round and subsequently withdraw citing a wrist injury that he later said should have kept him from playing at all.
Woodland erased those memories with a 2-under 70 on Thursday in the Masters’ first round.
“It was nice to get back here after what happened a couple of years ago,” he said. “I’m a different golfer than I was then, too. I’m confident. I’m healthy.”
Woodland, one of the PGA Tour’s longest hitters, birdied three of the course’s four par-five holes, only failing to post a red number on No. 8.
“These set up really good for me,” he said. “I can hit 3 wood off two of them. It’s one of those deals where you’ve got a pretty good game plan.”
Woodland credited caddie Tony Navarro with helping him navigate Augusta National.
“Tony gives me definitely added confidence around here,” Woodland said. “It’s my third year here, but I feel like I’ve been here a hundred times. It’s nice having him on the bag, it tends to help me.”
Woodland’s best Masters finish came in 2011 when he tied for 24th with a 2-under 286.
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