facebook-pixel

Utah’s Tony Finau stays within sight of the Masters leaders; Mike Weir barely misses the cut

(Charlie Riedel | AP Photo) Tony Finau reacts after his birdie on the 15th hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Augusta, Ga.

Lehi resident Tony Finau has positioned himself for another high finish in the Masters, being only four strokes out of the lead after two rounds at Augusta National Golf Club.

Sandy's Mike Weir almost qualified for the weekend rounds for the first time in five years, but a 17th-hole bogey prevented him making the 36-hole cut.

Finau made three birdies and one bogey Friday to post a 70, and is 3 under par for the tournament – tied for 16th place. His birdie on the par-5 No. 15 came after a brief rain delay and was made possible by an approach shot over the pond to within 8 feet. The West High School graduate has shot under par in three straight rounds at Augusta, dating to last year, when he ended his Masters debut with a 66.

Finau tied for 10th place in 2018, earning a return invitation with a top-12 finish. That remains a secondary goal this week, with Finau being close enough to the lead at this stage to think about winning.

Weir shot 72-76, missing the cut by one stroke. With the co-leaders at 7 under, Weir could have posted a 3-over total for 36 holes and advanced, thanks to a 10-shot provision. But after rallying with birdies at Nos. 13 and 14, he missed the green with his approach and bogeyed the par-4 No. 17.