In front of friendly crowd, Kaufman looking to get past Masters

It’s been quite an April for Smylie Kaufman.

He had a breakout performance in his first Masters, landing a spot in the final pairing on Sunday at Augusta National alongside defending champion Jordan Spieth. Kaufman had a tough Sunday, shooting 9-over 81 to finish tied for 29th place.

He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since that Sunday, and he unwound from the experience with a very public vacation last week in the Bahamas with Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. Kaufman had himself a great time, including impersonating a TV golf commentator, playing shirtless golf in board shorts and being a 24-year-old kid.

Now it’s back to business, and it’s in a very friendly place. Kaufman is playing in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana in nearby Avondale, La. As a product of Louisiana State University, Kaufman is going to have a partisan gallery all week.

“This is definitely a home game for me,” Kaufman said Wednesday.

He should expect to hear a lot of college-related affirmation this week.

“I’ve only played nine holes here, but it definitely feels like a home game from all the folks so far that have given me support, (and) said ‘Go Tigers,'” Kaufman said.

If Kaufman is to pick up his second PGA Tour win in his rookie season — after winning in Las Vegas in October — then he’ll have to overcome world No. 1 Jason Day, defending champion Justin Rose and his vacation buddy Fowler.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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