John Senden in second after career-best Masters round

Six birdies and two bogeys left John Senden in the best position of his Masters Tournament career through two rounds Friday, but it’s not completely new territory for the Australian.

Senden shot 4-under 68 in the second round and sat alone in second place entering the weekend. He will play in the final pairing today with 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson.

Senden, 43, said it won’t be the first time he and Watson have played together in a tournament.

It’s also not the first time Sen­den has been in good position entering a Masters weekend. He was 2-under and tied for 13th through two rounds last year. But he shot 75 and 74 in the final two rounds and finished tied for 35th.

“I’m excited to keep doing what I’ve been doing, playing good golf,” Senden said. “If I keep believing in myself and enjoying it, that’s the difference when you’re under pressure, if you can keep a smile on your face.”

Senden birdied six holes Friday after two bogeys in the first four holes. He finished with three pars in posting the best round of his Masters career.

Senden said some of the greens were getting faster and firmer, but his putting remained strong. He is also staying consistent tee to green, ranking in the top 10 in greens in regulation through two rounds.

“Today is only one day out of a whole career,” he said. “There’s a long way to go. I just need to keep on doing what I do well. That’s the only thing I can do.”

One highlight came on the 11th hole, where Senden hit from the edge of the right trees to about 20 feet from the hole. He made the putt for one of three birdies on the hole Friday.

Senden said he was “reasonably relaxed” in the second round despite gaining attention during his torrid second nine. Maintaining focus and discipline will be important to staying in the hunt today, he said.

“I’ll be nervous on the first tee,” Senden said. “I’ve been nervous every day teeing off.

‘‘That’s a good thing. It’s about me just doing the work – just get out there, get it down the middle and play the next shot.”