Jason Day will draw inspiration that his lowest Masters round came on a Friday as he looks to chase down a nine-shot deficit at Augusta National.
The world No.3 believes a weekend birdie barrage is just one Masters round away if he grind out a competitive on an expected blustery day two.
The 29-year-old Australian posted a gutsy two-over-par 74 as brutal winds swept across the first round on Thursday (Friday AEST).
Queenslander Day sits nine shots off leader Charley Hoffman, who fired a sizzling round of 65.
And with brutal winds forecasted again for, Day will need to emulate the Friday 64 he shot on Masters debut in 2011 en route to his runner-up finish that year.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Day was playing his first competitive round on Thursday since revealing his mother's cancer battle.
"I think I'm playing some decent golf; I've just got to get myself a little bit closer to the hole," Day said.
The 2015 US PGA Championship winner is optimistic about clawing his way back into contention with favourable weather forecasted for the third round.
"We're going to have great weather on the weekend, just have to go on through and try and make your birdies and stuff on the weekend."
Day has never finished outside the top 30 in six previous Masters appearances, including two top-three finishes as well as a tie for 10th in 2016.
