History-maker Guan in penalty-stroke drama at Masters

AUGUSTA, Georgia (AFP) –

Tianlang Guan of China plays during the second round of the 77th Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2013 in Augusta, Georgia. Guan was at the center of a drama at the Masters on Friday when he was hit with a one-shot penalty for slow play on the penultimate hole of his second round.

Chinese teen wonder Guan Tianlang was at the center of a drama at the Masters on Friday when he was hit with a one-stroke penalty for slow play on the penultimate hole of his second round.

The penalty brought the 14-year-old schoolboy in at four-over par 148, endangering his chances of making the cut and playing in the final two rounds at the weekend.

The 14-year-old amateur from Guangzhou became the youngest player in the history of the Masters on Thursday when he carded a one-over 73 that included four birdies and five bogeys.

On Friday, he dropped two shots at the fourth and seventh, as heavy rain fell on Augusta National, to reach the turn in 38.

But with the weather brightening, he then calmly picked his way around the fearful Amen Corner (holes 11-13) without dropping a stroke.

He was parring his way in from there when referee John Paramor walked onto the course as Guan prepared to play his second shot and informed him of the penalty sanction, having warned him earlier in the round.

Guan Tianlang of China plays during the second round of the 77th Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2013 in Augusta, Georgia. Guan was at the center of a drama at the Masters on Friday when he was hit with a one-stroke penalty for slow play on the penultimate hole of his second round.

“I played pretty good today,” Guan said. “I know the rules pretty good. This is what they can do.”

Guan became the first player punished for slow play in a major since American Steve Lowery at the 2004 PGA Championship.

“This still is a wonderful experience for me,” Guan said. “I have enjoyed playing in the Masters and I think I did a pretty good job.”

Playing partner Matteo Manassero said he had sympathy with Guan given the gusting winds that affected Augusta National on Friday, but he agreed that the Chinese youngster had been slow to play.

“I think it’s the biggest thing he needs to be careful about, because I think he’s ready,” the Italian said.

“When the caddie pulls the club for him, I think he’s ready. But he just sometimes … takes a little too long. He just asks questions that I think he knows, as well, but just to be sure, just to be clear in his mind.

“We all hope he’s going to make the cut, but this certainly will be a very valuable lesson. He will never forget it for sure, and he will learn from it.”

The third member of the grouping, two-time former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw also said the wind had been a factor.

“This isn’t going to end up pretty, I don’t think. I’m sick. I’m sick for him,” he said. “He’s 14 years old.

“When you get the wind blowing out here, believe me, you’re going to change your mind a lot.

“I’m sorry. I’m a player. But it is not easy to get around this golf course the way it’s set up for two days.”

Guan Tianlang of China walks to the 18th green during the second round of the 77th Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2013 in Augusta, Georgia. Guan won his ticket for the Masters in November when he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

Guan won his ticket for the Masters in November when he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, a tournament sponsored by Augusta National Golf club and the Royal & Ancient Club, to promote the game in the region.

There were fears that his slight frame and lack of big-time experience would see him collapse at what is one of the toughest and most fabled golf courses in the world.

But after playing practice rounds with and chatting to four-time former winner Tiger Woods and two-time champion Ben Crenshaw, Guan has stunned the world of golf with his skills and composure.

His halfway total of 148 bettered playing partners Crenshaw by 16 strokes and Manassero, the previous youngest player at the Masters, by one.

If he does make the cut, Guan will become the youngest player ever to play at the weekend in the Masters and the first from China to do so.

The two previous Chinese players to compete in the Masters, Zhang Lianwei in 2004 and Liang Wenchang in 2008, both failed to make the cut.

Guan also looks well placed to win the Silver Cup which goes to the top amateur who completes 72 holes, with his five rivals trailing him.