Short game saves Larry Mize

The first golfer to make a birdie in the 2013 Masters Tournament hopes more are on the way as he tries to make the cut.

Larry Mize, playing in the second group of the day, birdied the first hole to seize the early lead. However, the 1987 Masters champion finished his opening round 1-over after bogeying Nos. 14 and 18 and hitting just eight of 14 fairways.

“I just scrapped and clawed for everything I could,” Mize said. “I need to hit it a little bit better, but I really scored well today. My short game saved me, so I got through it OK.”

The 54-year old had his positive moments besides that early birdie in his 30th Masters appearance. The Augusta native briefly dipped back under par thanks to a lengthy putt at No. 12.

“I hit a nice 8-iron in there and just off the back fringe, but I was able to putt it,” Mize said. “Brian Gay gave me a good read on his putt, and I was able to get it in there. Any time you get in a long putt out here, it’s great. And it’s always fun around Amen Corner.”

Mize’s putting kept him close to par; he needed only 27 putts.

Mize admits he’ll have to improve as he tries to make the cut for the first time since 2009 and only the third time since 2000.

“I think I hit only about eight greens today, and that puts a lot of pressure on your short game,” he said. “My short game came through and saved me, but I need to play a little better. But I think I will. I feel pretty good.”