Cameron Smith is nothing if not a fighter.
With the winds whipping and an early double bogey on his card the young Aussie on debut at the Masters could have easily capitulated like many others.
Major winners like Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Ernie Els and Graeme McDowell all fell victim to the gusts around the Augusta National pines but Smith was able to eek out a one-over-73 to sit three-over through 36 holes.
It might not be knocking on the door of the leaders just yet, but it represents a third made cut from three attempts in major championships.
Despite just hitting 10 of 18 greens in regulation, Smith found a way to get it done.
"It was good, it was a bit of a grind out there again today, so to get in with threeover was pretty good," he said.
"Making the cut, that's sort of the first thing you've got to get rid of really, isn't it, and then the next one is obviously doing well on the weekend.
"I feel like the game's there and I just need a few more putts to drop and I will climb my way up the leaderboard." Augusta National gave Smith a typical lesson on the par three sixth.
After his seven-iron off the tee was short, Smith tried to chip up only to see the ball come back to him. So he tried to putt up the bank and once again the ball returned to his feet.
On the third attempt he almost holed out before tapping in for a double.
Having played the opening six holes in five over in his two rounds, Smith wants a better start on Saturday.
"It's just so tough to make birdies early. Once you're sort of over par there, it's tough to get your way back," he said.
"I've driven the ball really well and wedged it really good, and I feel like I'm putting good as well, I just need some to go in."
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