Finau ties first-9 Masters record with 6-under 30

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tony Finau was famous for celebrating an ace in last year’s par 3 tournament at Augusta National Golf Club — and in the process dislocating his ankle, which he then popped back into place. After Saturday’s third round, Finau will be remembered for something else.

He tied the first-nine record with a 6-under 30 on the front nine to become the first player to reach 9-under in the 83rd edition of the Masters.

Finau, 27, missed a 10-foot putt on the No. 9 hole to break the record. He joined five other players who have shot 30 on the front; Gary Woodland (2014), Phil Mickelson (2009), K.J. Choi (2004), Greg Norman (1988) and Johnny Miller (1975).

Finau’s front nine was almost even better. He made short birdie putts on Nos. 2 and 3, and a tap-in putt for eagle on what was nearly an albatross on the par-5 eighth.

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