News from Augusta

Toms equals back nine record of 29 shots

Augusta, Georgia, 12th April 1998 - David Toms equalled the back nine Masters record when he shot a 29 at Augusta National in the final round.

Toms made seven birdies, including six in a row starting at the 12th, on his way to an eight-under-par 64, just one stroke off the course record held by Nick Price and Greg Norman.

"I had no idea I'd made six birdies in a row until I checked my card," said Toms, who finished tied with Jack Nicklaus on five-under 283.

He matched the Masters record for consecutive birdies, joining Johnny Miller (third round in 1975, starting at the second hole) and Mark Calcavecchia (final round in 1992, starting at the 13th).

Toms one-putted eight times on the back nine, and had just 22 putts in all. At the turn, his major concern was to finish top 24 and qualify for next year's Masters.

"I had no idea it was coming," Toms said of his birdie streak. "It's probably the highlight of my career, the setting, the time, the back nine at the Masters when I needed a good round to come back next year. I'm happy with my finish.

"The zone, you can't explain it, but I guess I was in it. It's one of those nines where if you're playing solid you can do it, if not you can go the other way. I shot 41 on the back nine on Thursday."