Erik Compton frustrated by lack of birdies in first Masters

Erik Compton parred the first 12 holes in Friday’s second round at the Masters Tour­na­ment, just like he did in the first round.

That consistency has been both encouraging and frustrating for the 35-year-old, who carded even-par 72 on Friday and is 1-over for the tournament.

“You know how hard it is to not make birdies? To go out and try to make par on every hole and you can’t do it,” he said.

Playing in his first Masters, Compton’s initial experience led to a change in how he played the par-5 13th. He hit his driver in the woods and bogeyed Thursday. He changed to a 3-wood Friday, hit a close approach with his 5-iron and birdied.

“First-timers here, you’re kind of out there in the dark,” Compton said.

“Course really hasn’t given me anything. It’s been really hard work, no lucky putt or something to get the round going. I think it’s hard for me to read the greens because I haven’t played out here.”

Compton’s inexperience led to a bogey on No. 15 when he went for the green with his 4-iron and landed in the water.

“We thought it was downwind. Just kind of a rookie mistake,” he said.

The biggest challenge, he said, has been gaining the confidence to push the issue on his approach shots. He’s consistently 30 feet from the hole on his first putt, leaving him with few birdie opportunities.

“Once you get a few putts to drop, you can play a little bit more aggressive,” he said. “I’m not able to do that. I was trying to make the weekend. Now, I can play a little more aggressive, but when you’re not holing putts it’s difficult.

“Look, if I have a good weekend I can have a good showing and finish in the top 10. I don’t think the leaders are going anywhere.”