Max Homa thinks that if he can handle the pressure of playing alongside Tiger Woods for two days at the Masters, he can handle anything in golf, including winning his first major tournament.
He’s currently tied for the lead with Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, heading into the third round at Augusta National.
While Homa has had success on the PGA Tour, with six wins, and is ranked 11th in the world, his record in major tournaments is not as strong. His best finish was a tie for 10th at the British Open last year.
His first-round 67 left him two shots behind DeChambeau, marking the first time he’s been in the top five after a major round. His second-round 71 in tough conditions later on Friday was enough to put him in a tie for the lead.
If he can keep up his good play for another 36 holes, he has a chance to win his first major and boost his reputation in the sport.
Reflecting on his performance, Homa feels he has shown resilience, especially playing alongside Woods in front of a large crowd at the Masters. He believes he has the mental strength to handle the pressure for the entire tournament.
Despite the excitement, Homa, known for his thoughtful approach, is trying to stay focused and not get overwhelmed by the situation.
He’s been reflecting this week on the movie “Hoosiers,” where basketball coach Norman Dale has his small-town players measure the basket’s height at the big arena hosting the state championship. The message is that while the venue may be grand, the game remains the same.
“The hole stays the same size,” Homa noted. Homa isn’t alone in seeking a game-changing win. He’s one of four players within four shots of the lead, all aiming for their first major title.
Nicolai Hojgaard from Denmark is at 4 under, Australia’s Cameron Davis at 3 under, and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at 2 under. Whether any of them can clinch victory on golf’s grandest stage is uncertain.
Aberg is in a special spot. He’s looking to be the first rookie to win the Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller 45 years ago. With the guidance of veteran caddie Joe Skovron, Aberg is routing Augusta while cherishing the experience. This is Aberg’s first major since turning pro after college.
Davis has brought his family to Augusta to support him. While he’s not paying attention to the leaderboard, they certainly are. Then there’s Xander Schauffele, consistently performing well in golf’s top tournaments but has yet to clinch a win. He’s currently even par through 36 holes, six shots behind.
Cameron Young and Tommy Fleetwood, both ranked high in the world, are also in the mix at 1 under. “Tomorrow will feel different from a regular tour event,” Homa remarked.
