Augusta, Apr 11 A double bogey in the second round resulted in Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia missing the cut for the first time in three starts at the Masters.
The 24-year-old, a three-time PGA Tour winner, started with a 73 but endured a dramatic collapse on the back nine of his second round, carding three double bogeys to go eight-over across the last nine holes on Friday.
With a second round score of 77, Bhatia missed the cut by two shots – the same number of shots he lost on the final hole.
His double bogey on the 18th came after a wayward tee shot into the trees, which effectively sealed his early exit.
In contrast, Indo-British Aaron Rai, winner of the Par-3 contest, progressed to the weekend rounds. Despite three consecutive bogeys from the ninth to the 11th, Rai steadied himself with seven pars to close, signing for a 74.
Coupled with his opening 71, he sits at one-over, tied 32nd, slipping from his first-round position of 10th.
Bhatia's exit was surprising, as he came into the Masters playing great golf, including a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His short-game prowess and putting were expected to be weapons at Augusta National.
He shot one over in the first round and went out in three under on his front nine on Friday to move into contention. But the back nine was brutal for Bhatia as he came home in 44.