I tried my best: Higa

Kazuki Higa could not hide his disappointment of missing the cut by three shots in his Masters tournament debut after he signed off with a two-over-par 74 at the weather-hit Major on Saturday.

The reigning JGTO money list champion was among the 39 players who had to return early Saturday morning to complete their second round after inclement weather forced play to be abandoned at the Augusta National Golf Club on Friday.

At four-over through 14 holes when play was called off, Higa resumed play promisingly with a birdie on 15. However, three successive bogeys from 16 obliterated any hopes of a comeback and saw him close with a two-day total of six-over-par 150- joining other illustrious names such as Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas in making the early exit at the year’s first major.

“I tried my best and I’m disappointed. I made several wrong judgement calls this week and I guess it could be down to my inexperience in playing at the Augusta National.

“Obviously, I hope to be back at the Masters again and if I do, I believe I’ll certainly return as a much better player,” said Higa.

The 27-year-old will now be cheering on compatriot and 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama who was among the 54 players to make the 36-hole cut from a starting field of 88 after he posted rounds of 71 and 70.

“I had the pleasure of spending the last three weeks with Hideki in the United States. He is definitely a top-quality golfer and I hope to join him again on the world stage to compete together and fly the Japanese flag high,” said Higa.

Matsuyama was at two-under through 11 holes before play was once again suspended for the day due to inclement weather at 3.15pm (local time). Play will resume on Sunday with American Brooks Koepka holding the lead at 13-under through six holes.

Ends.

Photo credit / @ Augusta National Golf Club