AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jason Kokrak, Xavier grad, used to work out with Sean Miller when Kokrak was an undergrad and Miller was the boss of the Musketeers men’s basketball team. After Kokrak shot a highly credible 70 Thursday, for a spot on the Masters leaderboard heading into Friday’s second round, he had some thoughts on his erstwhile workout partner’s return to the Cincinnati school.
“Incredible coach,’’ Kokrak said. “Yeah, he got in trouble, but that has gone out the door these days with all the new rules.’’
Meaning players being paid is no longer an issue, now that Name Image and Likeness rules have taken hold.
“I’m very happy to see him back.’’
Plus, Miller has denied ever paying a player.
This is Kokrak’s third Masters and on Thursday, he played like a man who was growing comfortable with the golf course. It takes a while to learn where to hit the ball and, more importantly, where not to.
“Certain spots where I know not to miss, certain spots where (a hole) is get-able,’’ he said.
More: ‘Something that I have to do’: Sean Miller’s back. Here’s what happens next at Xavier
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He made five birdies Thursday. None was more important than the one at the par-3 12th, on a putt from just off the green. “Kinda kick-started my round,’’ Kokrak said.
He’d just lipped out a 40-foot birdie try at 11. After the birdie at No. 12, Kokrak birdied both the par-5 13th and the 14th, to get to two-under par. He had another birdie try at 17, but he left the 20-foot putt a few feet short. “I gave it a little more respect than I needed to,’’ Kokrak said.
Kokrak tees off at 12:57 p.m. Friday.
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