Masters 2026: Li Haotong overcomes sickness to move into contention at Augusta National
Many people come to work sick after being up all night with a bug.
But most people don’t play the Masters for a living.
China’s Li Haotong feared he wouldn’t be able to play at Augusta National on Friday after spending the morning “living on the toilet” due to illness.
But his stamina to make it through the second round was rewarded with a three-under par 69 that put him in contention for the Green Jacket.
The 30-year-old Li thought he would only be able to play a few holes before having to quit, but he managed to complete the entire 18 and eventually finished four under par, two shots behind clubhouse leader Sam Burns.
When asked if he was surprised that he was playing so well considering his physical condition, Li said: “Actually, I am. Especially. [because I went] I went to the toilet many times last night.
“When I went to the golf course this morning [I was] “I still feel so bad and like I’m living in the toilet.”
Li, who shot a one-under 71 on Thursday, started with birdie in the first round, then bogeys at four and seven put him one ahead at the turn.
However, he settled into the back nine and made four consecutive birdies at 13, 14, 15 and 16 to move up the leaderboard heading into the weekend.
Drinking water and taking medication aside, it seems that stinging bird shot is the best cure for diseases.
Li, making his first Masters appearance since 2019, joked that the rush had made him “feel good” again.
“I didn’t hit many balls on the driving range. I was feeling really bad. No energy, fuzzy, I wanted to throw up,” he said.
“I originally planned to just play a few holes and see how it goes. If I was really sick, I’d probably decide not to play. I’m just glad I survived today.”
