Amateur Vitek Novak and Filip Mruzek ensured the 2015 D+D REAL Czech Masters will go down in the home country’s record books after becoming the first Czech players to make a European Tour cut in 21 years.
Novak posted a four under par second round of 68, which included three consecutive birdies from the fourth hole, for a three under par total at the halfway stage at Albatross Golf Resort, to sit in a share of 36th position.
The 19 year old rolled in a six foot putt on the last hole for his fourth birdie of the day, cueing rapturous celebrations not only from the player and his caddie, but also from the home galleries who will now have a Czech player to support at the weekend for the first time since Jiri Janda at the 1994 Czech Open – two years before Novak was born.
“I hit a lot of good shots on the course today and I kept calm for all 18 holes,” said Novak. “I’m very happy to shoot what I did today. It’s just amazing.
“The Czech guy who made the cut was 21 years ago and I wasn’t born, because I’m 19. I didn’t quite realise what has just happened. I prepared really well for this tournament and I’m really happy that me and my caddie just made it.
“My goal was to make the cut. I’ll just try to enjoy myself and play the best I can. I still in the process of getting better and better, and I’m hoping to go to college in the States to help me improve.”
Meanwhile, Mruzek made the weekend on the cut mark, posting a two over par round of 74 for a one under par total. It is the first time two Czech players have made the cut in a European Tour event, capping a fine day for the home nation.
