Watson achy but still in contention at Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. - As he approached the 18th green, Tom Watson received an ovation befitting a two-time Masters champion. Only this time, the applause was not only for his 35 years, but for the previous 35 holes.

Watson, 60, entered Friday among the leaders, one shot from the top. He left it a little sore from all the walking and still in the conversation, tied for ninth at 3 under par. He was just disappointed that his short game wasn't as sharp as it had been Thursday and that he wasn't 5 under.

Having saved bogey on 18 despite leaving his first explosion shot in the right greenside bunker, he said his thoughts weren't about contentment. "I have thoughts about playing my butt off and not making the same mistakes I made today - the same attitude I had 37 years ago when I first played here," Watson said.

Actually, his first Masters was in 1970, as an amateur, his first as a pro was 1975. Fans seemed to appreciate that. He appreciated them right back and acknowledged them. He said, "They were all about my age."

Haas' Masters legacy

Bill Haas, six strokes out of the lead at 2 under par, believes he can get into contention. He added it was reassuring to look into the gallery during rough spots in his round and get reassurance from his dad, Jay, a Champions Tour standout who played in 22 Masters. "Occasionally, I'm in a certain spot and I'm kind of looking to him to see if he knows where I am," the younger Haas said.

Bill used to stay in day care across the street when Jay played in the Masters. His uncles Jerry Haas and Dillard Pruitt also played in the Masters and his great uncle Bob Goalby won it in 1968. "I'm just happy to join the family legacy," Bill said, "Just to play here once. My next goal is to get back here again."

Italian, 16, makes cut

Amateur Matteo Manassero, 16, of Italy made the cut at 3 over. He still has three more years of school left, but already has learned English well enough to conduct a news conference in the language. "I started golf at 3 years old," he said. "It always has been a passion because I always watch on television."