Entering the 2024 Masters Tournament, Max Homa had the reputation for failing to live up to his potential in the majors. He tied for 10th at last year’s Open Championship, the first time he posted a top-10 at any major.
His best finish at Augusta National came in 2022 when he tied for 48th. That is despite the rising success Homa has seen on the PGA Tour.
But the Burbank, CA native put that notion aside and is in position for a Green Jacket Sunday.
“I came here with the gratitude and appreciation that I get to do it [play The Masters]. I’m happy I get to do it tomorrow. I’m going to remind myself I’m a dog and I’m ready for this moment.”
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Despite carding a 1-over 73, Homa sits solo third, just two shots behind Scottie Scheffler atop the Masters leaderboard.
Homa played far better than his score would indicate. Windy conditions once again wreaked havoc on Augusta National. Only 12 of 59 players even broke par, with only two of them (Collin Morikawa 69, Chris Kirk 68) breaking 70.
The 33-year-old pro was happy with his performance and likes his chances.
“I don’t know what more I could have done. Could I have seen some putts go in, but I don’t hate how I putted. Started the ball on the line a lot. The greens got really fast. So adjusting to that took a couple holes.,” Homa said.
Indeed, the flat stick was the only part of his game that let him down.
Homa gained strokes on the field tee-to-green, around-the-green, and on-approach, but lost 0.12 strokes putting.
He burned a couple of edges. Had some of those dropped, he would sitting atop the Masters leaderboard.
Nevertheless, the six-time PGA Tour winner sounds supremely confident.
“I’m a very good golfer. I learned that, so I’m going to take that one with me,” he explained upon self-reflection.
He will need to be as Scheffler is not going to give it away Sunday.
Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
