The biggest stories from day two at the Masters
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With 18 holes under their belts, golfs brightest stars took to the course on Friday seeking to either push on from their early advantage, or recover from a disastrous first round.
There were thrills and spills on a gloomy day which saw rain tumbling liberally from a blackened Georgia sky.
Here are the biggest stories from day two at the Masters:
Five for Tiger?
The Masters, in my view, is better when Tiger Woods is in the mix. Gunning for his fifth green jacket, a superb 68 in tough conditions from the 14-time major winner has left him one shot adrift from the five leaders. Could he do it?
Poulter stays alive
Known affectionately as ‘The Postman’ for his Ryder Cup exploits, Ian Poulter wasn’t expected to be near the business end of this tournament. After his excellent opening round, the 43-year-old held his nerve to card a 71, meaning he sits just two shots off the lead.
Molinari takes aim at second major
Open champion Francesco Molinari was one of only a few players to manage a 67 on Friday, meaning he stepped into a share of the lead on -7. Fans in Europe would surely be delighted to see the Italian don the green jacket come Sunday night!
The Australian invasion
Both Adam Scott and Jason Day enjoyed excellent rounds on day two, and both now sit at the top of the standings as part of that five-way leading group. Scott was briefly the sole leader on -8, but a rather embarrassing missed putt means he falls back in with the pack.
DeChambeau falters
Despite a stunning first day that saw the 25-year-old birdie the last four holes, day two was not one Bryson DeChambeau will want to remember. Spluttering to a severely disappointing 75, the day-one co-leader is down – but not out.
Debutante Harding in touching distance of Augusta glory
Heading to Georgia for his first ever Masters tournament, 33-year-old South African Justin Harding would have perhaps been happy to just make the cut. A pair of 69’s has catapulted the Qatar Masters champion into contention however, and it will be interesting to see how he holds his nerve on Saturday.
World no. 1 Rose misses cut
Justin Rose might be statistically the best golfer in the world right now, but his performance at Augusta this week could have fooled you. Finishing at +4, the Englishman missed the cut for the first time ever at the Masters.
Rory doing Rory things
Nobody puts himself in worse positions than Rory McIlroy, and nobody makes spectacular recoveries like Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman somehow managed to hit a ball into a cart’s storage compartment at one point on Friday, and, predictably, pulled himself out of it with remarkable approach play.
Spieth recovers - but will it be enough?
Jordan Spieth bounced back from his 75 on day one with an impressive 68, but one shot below par, the Texan might have left himself with too much to do. Nevertheless, anything seems possible with this man!
Angel sticks at it
His day one round of 82 was truly disastrous, but a 75 today meant the Argentine didn’t look totally out of place on one of golf’s most challenging courses. The 2009 winner was warmly received by the galleries, as all green jacket holders should be.