The South African contingent at the 2025 Masters at Augusta is in a sticky situation after round one on Thursday and can either fall below the cut line or just make it depending how Friday goes.
2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel is the only South African in play with experience at the depth, when the tension doubles on a Sunday.
Schwartzel, making his 16th Masters appearance, shot 2 over 74 on Thursday and is tied at 51st place.
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He hit the green 12 out of 18 holes during round one with a 67% accuracy rating. The 40-year-old managed one birdie and three bogeys, carding a par the rest of the way.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout has made the cut on all three of his past appearances at The Masters and will look to move up the field after ending Thursday tied at 73rd.
Bezuidenhout shot four over 76 with two bogeys and a double bogey on the fourth hole par three.
The young South African was a bit nervous with the wedges, hitting 10 greens out of 18 with a 56% accuracy rating.
Thriston Lawrence had a difficult start to his Master debut, posting a seven over 79 in the first round. All things considered, Lawrence has done well to keep himself in the fight to make the cut.
But the five bogeys and a double bogey are signs of nerves getting the better of him.
Lawrence got a better grip on his round toward the end of the 18, finishing round one as the only South African to shoot two birdies in the roiund.
A birdie on the Par 5 hole 15 and the Par 4 hole 17 helped Lawrence regain some of the ground he lost early on in his round.
Lawrence overshot his wedge on the third hole Par 4, putting him over the green on his second shot. He got back onto the green but could not putt for par and had to sink the bogey.
Over the years, South African golfers have made a significant impact at The Masters, showcasing their talent and resilience on one of golf's most prestigious stages.
Notably, Gary Player, a three-time Masters champion, is a legendary figure in the tournament's history.
His victories in 1961, 1974, and 1978 not only established him as one of the game's greats but also paved the way for future South African golfers to compete at the highest level.
Following Player, Ernie Els emerged as another prominent South African golfer, securing his green jacket in 1994 and again in 1997.
Known for his smooth swing and strategic play, Els has consistently performed well at Augusta, finishing in the top 10 multiple times throughout his career.
His success has inspired a new generation of South African golfers to pursue excellence in the sport.
In more recent years, players like Trevor Immelman and Schwartzel have continued this legacy. Immelman claimed victory in 2008, becoming the first South African to win The Masters since Els.
Schwartzel's triumph in 2011 further solidified South Africa's reputation as a powerhouse in golf. With a rich history of success, South African golfers continue to be a formidable presence at The Masters, demonstrating skill, determination, and a passion for the game.