AUGUSTA – It was a rough ride for George Zahringer, but an exhilarating one to the end.

Zahringer, a Manhattan resident, member of Stanwich and Deepdale and reigning Mid-Amateur champion, missed the cut in his first Masters and first major championship yesterday, shooting 23-over-par with rounds of 82 and 85.

The scores, though disappointing, hardly tarnished his experience.

“The overall experience was great, a learning experience,” Zahringer said last night after his 36-hole day. “As the experience relates to my actual performance, I was obviously disappointed not to score better. I felt like I hit a lot of good shots. But each mental mistake I made I paid a price.

“[Playing partners] Scott Hoch and Ian Woosnam were great to be with. They were terrific to me and it made it a special experience.”

Zahringer said he not only expects three of the five amateurs in the tournament to make the cut after the second round is completed today, but he said this of U.S. Amateur champion Ricky Barnes, who’s five shots off the lead at 1-under: “Ricky could win the golf tournament.”

“I would be surprised and thrilled for him if he won, but on another note I wouldn’t be surprised if he won the golf tournament,” Zahringer said. “He hits it longer the Tiger [Woods]. He’s got the length and game right now that gives him a tremendous edge on 90 percent of the field.”

Barnes’ brother, Andy, who’s caddying for him this week, said of Ricky, “He’s just dumb enough to think he can win this tournament.”

“He’s probably right,” Ricky Barnes said.