A big part of what makes The Masters so compelling is the constant ebb and flow of players’ scores on the leaderboard. Birdies and bogeys reduce or add strokes to a player’s total, and the changes are seen in real-time by fans following along on television and online. Whether it’s a sudden surge or an unfortunate slip-up, the dramatic shifts are what keep fans coming back to watch every minute of action at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy bounced back from his rough finish in the first round to produce the lowest second-round score at The Masters, putting himself in contention for a green jacket. He sits just two shots behind Justin Rose, who held onto the solo lead he captured on Thursday with a solid 66.
Bryson DeChambeau is one shot back in a tie for second place after posting a 68 to go with his first-round 69. He’ll play in Rose’s final group on Saturday, and he’ll need to be better than he was last year if he wants to make his first appearance at the Masters podium.
Scottie Scheffler sits in a tie for fifth with Tyrrell Hatton, Matt McCarty and Shane Lowry after a 1-under 66. The reigning Masters champion is in contention for a historic repeat and another green jacket, but he had some issues at Augusta in his second round as he produced five bogeys and an uncharacteristic visit to the Magnolia trees on 18.
Should the top four players fail to produce a winner after three rounds of play, a sudden-death playoff will ensue. The format began in 1976, with the play beginning on the 18th hole and then moving to the 10th hole if the playoff is still deadlocked.