Max Homa is among a group of Masters contenders who are vying for their first major title

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Max Homa figures if he can conquer the psychological job of enjoying effectively in a bunch with Tiger Woods for 36 holes on the Masters, he can accomplish just about something in golf.

That features successful his first main championship.

Homa was tied for the lead at 6-under 138 with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau heading into Saturday’s third spherical at Augusta Nationwide.

The 33-year-old Homa isn’t any stranger to successful. He has six PGA Tour victories and one other on the European tour. He’s ranked eleventh on this planet.

However his resume in majors is just a little skinny. His finest end is a tie for tenth final 12 months on the British Open, the place he by no means had a practical likelihood of successful.

Homa concluded his first-round on 67 Friday morning to go away him two photographs shot again of DeChambeau by means of 18 holes. That was the primary time he had ever been within the prime 5 after a spherical at a significant. His second-round 71 in robust circumstances later Friday was sufficient to maneuver him right into a tie for the lead.

If he can preserve his type for an additional 36 holes, he might win his first main and elevate his standing within the recreation.

“I really feel like I confirmed a little bit of moxie the final couple days, particularly yesterday the primary few holes enjoying with Tiger in entrance of lots of people on the Masters,” Homa mentioned. “And I performed some nice golf. So I do know I’ve that one in me. I’d wish to see if I’ve the psychological self-discipline for an entire week.”

The cerebral, introspective Homa, who has taken to writing every day in his journal, is making an attempt to not get caught up within the second.

He’s been considering this week concerning the film “Hoosiers,” wherein basketball coach Norman Dale, performed by Gene Hackman, has his starstruck small-town gamers measure the peak of the basket on the giant area that’s internet hosting the state championship. The purpose is for instance that whereas the venue is likely to be greater, the sport is similar.

“The opening is similar dimension,” Homa identified.

Homa isn’t the one participant in search of a life-changing victory.

He was amongst 4 gamers inside 4 photographs of the lead who had been in search of their first main title.

Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard was 4 below, Australia’s Cameron Davis was 3 below and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg was 2 below. Whether or not any of them can win on golf’s greatest stage stays unsure.

Aberg is in a singular state of affairs.

He’s making an attempt to turn out to be the primary Masters rookie to win since Fuzzy Zoeller did it 45 years in the past.

He’s relying closely on veteran caddie Joe Skovron to assist him navigate Augusta, all whereas making an attempt to relish the chance to play within the Masters. Aberg, who turned professional final spring after a standout school profession at Texas Tech, is enjoying in his first main.

“When you’re over the ball, when you’re making the choices of what you wish to do, that’s whenever you’re in match mode,” Aberg mentioned. “When you’re executed with that, it’s again to soaking it in and attempt to benefit from the stroll as a lot as I can.”

Davis introduced his spouse, mother and father, brother, aunts and uncles to Augusta. He mentioned he’s not taking note of the scoreboard, however mentioned they certain are.

After which there may be Xander Schauffele, a perpetual bridesmaid in golf’s prime 4 tournaments with top-three finishes on the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open, together with a prime 10 on the PGA Championship.

Schauffelle was at even par by means of 36 holes, six photographs again.

Cameron Younger and Tommy Fleetwood, every ranked throughout the prime 14 on this planet, had been hanging round at 1 below.

“Tomorrow might be totally different than an everyday tour occasion,” Homa mentioned.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf