After an electrifying 65 on Thursday, Justin Rose found his rhythm on Friday with a more conservative but effective 71, securing a one-shot lead heading into the weekend at Augusta. Rose took a more calculated approach on the tee, hitting driver only five times—half the number from Round 1. This tactical adjustment paid off, as he gained around two more strokes than in his opening round.
The most notable factor behind Rose’s lead, however, is his performance on the greens. Between 2019 and 2024, Rose was one of only three players to average more than a full stroke gained on the greens per round at the Masters. But this week, he’s taken it to another level, gaining over seven strokes putting through 36 holes. Not only is that the best in the field, but it’s nearly double the next best performer.
“It’s been a fantastic week with the putter so far,” Rose said after his round, highlighting how vital his putting has been to his consistent performance.
At 44 years old, Rose has also made history as the oldest player to hold the outright lead at the Masters since Raymond Floyd in 1990. If he continues his momentum, he’ll break multiple records, including becoming the oldest first-time winner and having the most attempts before winning a green jacket.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Deft Touch Carries Him into Second Place
Bryson DeChambeau, always a force off the tee, showcased his well-rounded game in Round 2, making only one bogey on his way to a 68. With back-to-back birdies on holes 4 and 5, DeChambeau reversed a troubling trend in his Masters career. Historically, from 2016 to 2024, DeChambeau had struggled on holes 3, 4, and 5 at Augusta, but his improved performance on these holes was a key highlight.
Despite his dominance in driving distance—he leads the field through two rounds—DeChambeau’s touch around the greens is what truly sets him apart this week. He ranks first in strokes gained around the green, gaining more than three strokes during his Friday round.
This is the fourth time DeChambeau has started a major with back-to-back rounds in the 60s. In his previous three majors with similar starts—2020 U.S. Open, 2024 PGA, and 2024 U.S. Open—he finished first, second, and first, respectively.
“It’s about playing smart and sticking to the game plan,” DeChambeau remarked, acknowledging how critical his short game has been in Augusta’s challenging conditions.
Rory McIlroy’s Comeback Stirs Hope for a Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy’s path to completing the career Grand Slam appeared nearly out of reach after a difficult first round, but a scorching 66 on Friday put him right back into contention. This marks the sixth time in his career that McIlroy has shot 66 or lower at Augusta, a feat matched only by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Jordan Spieth.
The turning point of McIlroy’s round came on the back nine, where he carded four consecutive birdies on holes 10 through 13—an achievement matched only once in the past 40 years by Hideki Matsuyama.
McIlroy’s iron play was especially sharp, hitting 14 of 18 greens in regulation and gaining nearly 3.5 strokes with his approach shots. His performance has ignited fresh optimism for a potential Masters victory, as only Woods has more rounds of 66 or better at Augusta.
“Once I got the momentum going, it just felt like everything clicked,” McIlroy said, reflecting on his stunning run.
Early Draw Advantage in Tough Wind Conditions
The weather on Friday added another layer of drama, as the wind picked up in the afternoon, making conditions significantly tougher for those in the later wave. Of the eight players who shot 68 or better, none came from the later tee times, underlining the advantage of the earlier starters.
Despite a mid-round slump, defending champion Scottie Scheffler remains firmly in the hunt. After tying his Masters career high with five bogeys, Scheffler’s performance on the greens took a hit, losing almost a full stroke to the field. Nonetheless, his mastery of Augusta National remains intact—he’s still a contender for a third green jacket.
Scheffler was unflappable in the first 23 holes, playing without a bogey—a personal best for the tournament. His solid weekend scoring average (70.7) puts him in strong position to make a push for the title.
Corey Conners and Shane Lowry: Rising Stars in the Mix
Canada’s Corey Conners has placed himself in a prime position, tied for third after an exceptional 36-hole performance. Conners hit a career-high 16 greens in regulation during Round 2, showcasing his iron play and approach shots that gained him more than two strokes on the field.
Shane Lowry is another player to watch, making his first-ever back-to-back under-par rounds at the Masters. With solid performances on both approach and putting, Lowry’s consistency has positioned him among the leaders, and he’s hoping to improve on his previous best Masters finish (third in 2022).
Jason Day and Viktor Hovland: Aiming for Major Breakthroughs
Jason Day, whose only bogey came on the 18th hole on Friday, has put together a flawless performance through 36 holes, just missing out on a record-setting streak of bogey-free rounds. Hitting greens and making birdies has Day primed for a possible breakthrough this weekend.
Viktor Hovland, who closed with back-to-back bogeys, remains in the mix, thanks to stellar iron play. He’s gained over three strokes with his approach shots and is one of the most consistent birdie-makers this week, with 11 through two rounds.
Masters History in the Making: Dunlap and Langer
Amid all the excitement, Nick Dunlap’s dramatic turnaround from a dismal first round (90) to a stellar 71 in Round 2 was the talk of Augusta. While he didn’t break any records, his 19-shot improvement was the largest since the 1966 Open Championship, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Masters.
Bernhard Langer, playing in what could be his final Masters, came close to breaking the record for the oldest player to make the cut but narrowly missed after missing a crucial putt on the 18th hole. His impressive career at Augusta will always be remembered.
As the weekend approaches, the leaderboard is packed with familiar faces and new contenders, but history tells us that players who are within four shots of the lead entering the third round have the best chance of winning. With the likes of Rose, DeChambeau, and McIlroy in the mix, Saturday and Sunday promise to deliver some thrilling golf.
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