Augusta, Georgia – The 2024 Masters Tournament saw Mother Nature play a significant role in the competition on Friday, as intense winds wreaked havoc at Augusta National Golf Club. Despite not having a presence on the leaderboard, the elements challenged players throughout the day, leading to a tie for first place among three American stars with 36 holes left to play.
The second round of the Masters witnessed an elite field averaging 75.08, marking the highest second-round scoring at the tournament since 2007. The difficulty of the course was evident as players struggled to hit greens in regulation, with an average proximity to the hole increasing by over 4 feet from the previous day.
Scottie Scheffler’s performance stood out as he managed to tie for the lead going into the weekend, despite hitting his fewest greens in regulation in 18 career rounds at the Masters. With his exceptional short game, Scheffler has consistently been near the top of leaderboards in major championships since 2021, showcasing his prowess on the golf course.
The theme of American dominance continued as Max Homa joined Scheffler at the top of the leaderboard after a stellar performance in the second round. Homa’s improved play at Augusta National highlighted his capabilities in major tournaments, with his strong approach and putting game giving him an edge in the competition.
Veteran players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson also made their mark at the Masters, with Woods setting a new record for consecutive cuts made at the tournament. Despite facing challenging conditions, both players showed resilience and skill to advance to the weekend rounds.
As the tournament progresses, the cut line at 6 over highlighted the tough competition at the Masters this year. With notable players like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas missing the cut, the field is narrowing down to the contenders who will vie for the prestigious green jacket in the coming days.
With familiar names and rising stars battling for supremacy at the 2024 Masters, the stage is set for an intriguing weekend of golf action at Augusta National. As history has shown, the leaderboard can change quickly, making every shot count in the quest for Masters glory.