Masters 1999: Look ahead: Experience rules

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Olazabal steps into Masters lead

Friday, Apr. 9 6:49pm ET
Look ahead: Experience rules
By John Marvel
ESPN Golf Online
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- As play goes into the third round at Augusta National Golf Club, one thing boldly sticks out from the leaderboard: There's a lot of major championship experience hanging out near the top at the 63rd Masters.

Nick Price
Nick Price is seeking his fourth major championship title.
There are 12 players tied for seventh or better heading into Saturday. Of the 12, eight players have won a combined 13 majors.

1 -- Jose Maria Olazabal (8-under 136): one Masters.

T3 -- Greg Norman (5-under 139): two British Opens.

T3 - Lee Janzen (5-under 139): two U.S. Opens.

T5 - Nick Price (3-under 141): two PGA Championships; one British Open.

T5 - Davis Love III (3-under 141): one PGA Championship.

T7 - Bernhard Langer (2-under 142): two Masters.

T7 - Justin Leonard (2-under 142): one British Open.

T7 - Steve Elkington (2-under 142): one PGA Championship.
In addition, Ernie Els (two U.S. Opens), Tiger Woods (one Masters), Tom Lehman (one British Open), Fred Couples (one Masters), and Ian Woosnam (one Masters) are within nine shots of Olazabal, which is still within striking distance of a green jacket if the planets align.
"I think that means a lot," Price said after his even-par round of 72. "I think it means the course is being set up correctly. I think it's rewarding good play out there, pure and simple."
Added Woods: "Eight shots is not a lot at Augusta. I saw the dots where they are putting (Saturday's) pins. You have to play solid golf and give yourself some chances."
Experience means a lot at Augusta. It's why Jack Nicklaus, at age 46, was able to win his sixth Masters. It why a player such as Langer can be on the board, even though conventional wisdom might indicate he's past his prime as a contender in the majors.
"These guys put their focus on the majors and these guys have all won majors," Leonard said. "You want to come out and play aggressive, but it's hard to do here. Patience and experience helps."
Players such as Scott McCarron, Colin Montgomerie, Bill Glasson and Brandel Chamblee are all in the mix because of their positioning, but they will have to play within themselves to help compensate for their lack of big-time wins.
"At 2-under, you still have a chance," Montgomerie said. "I can't do anything about anybody else. I just have to score in the 60s Saturday and then I'll have a chance Sunday."
Pairings to watch
Leonard and Elkington (1:20 p.m. ET) haven't posted a low number on the board, but both are playing well and seem to be on the verge of shooting in the mid-60s.
Price and Love (1:50 p.m.) are two groups from the leaders, which might be perfect position to throw a little 66 on the board and watch everyone else come in.
Does Norman have a chance?
Yes, he does. But you have to wonder why he does this to himself. Blowing the six-shot lead in 1996 proves it won't matter what he does Saturday. If he is close or even in the lead by Amen Corner on Sunday, that's when it could get sentimental.
"Sentimental favorite? How do you determine that?" he laughed. "From '96 or because I'm getting old?"
What's up with Tiger?
He can go low, but the word here is "See you at Pinehurst for the U.S. Open."