The 85th edition of The Masters at Augusta National is underway and the golf world is abuzz with the action-packed two days of play. The halfway leader Brooks Koepka is charging towards his fifth major victory, while behind him Jon Rahm is making his move to catch up. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the return of the legendary Tiger Woods, who managed to make the cut amid speculation about his form and fitness. In this article, we delve into the exciting highlights of the tournament and analyze the prospects of the top contenders.
The halfway stage at The Masters saw Brook Koepka leading on 12 under, with Jon Rahm just two shots behind after playing through tough weather conditions on Saturday morning. Rahm, ranked third in the world, returned to the course to complete his second round, making three birdies and two bogeys to post a three-under 69. Resuming at the 10th hole, Rahm connected a 10-foot birdie at the par-three 12th, and followed up with a brilliant long pitch, setting up a close-range birdie at the 15th. He ended the day with a total of 10 under. Amateur Sam Bennett claimed third place after his second-round 68, followed by Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa, who both closed out one-over 73s, tied for fourth place at six under.
Tiger Woods also played his final seven holes early on Saturday, finishing with a one-over 73 and moving to tied-49th place, ensuring a record-equalling 23rd cut at The Masters. He hit a 25-foot birdie at the par-five 15th, having hit the pin with his pitch shot, but failed to get up and down from short of the green to bogey the 17th and slip back to two over, then hit a poor drive into the pines and two-putted from 50 feet for a dropped shot at the last that briefly moved him outside the cut mark. However, the five-time winner was guaranteed his place in the remaining rounds when Justin Thomas and Sungjae Im finished the day late with bogeys.
The Masters is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage continuing on Sky Sports Golf, and extended coverage and bonus feeds available all weekend via the red button
As the excitement at Augusta National Golf Club continues to build, it’s clear that this year’s Masters tournament is shaping up to be one for the history books. With halfway leader Brooks Koepka setting the pace, closely followed by Jon Rahm, there’s no telling who will come out on top in this thrilling competition.
But while the big names are certainly making headlines, it’s important not to overlook the impressive performances of other players, including Tiger Woods, who made the cut for the weekend. With the leaderboard constantly shifting, there’s no doubt that the remainder of the tournament will be filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying the excitement and drama that comes with the Masters. From the picturesque setting to the unparalleled skill of the players, this tournament is truly one of the most captivating events in all of sports. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable golf!