Masters 2012 Leaderboard: Breaking Down Augusta Leaders Headed into Day 3

I still hold that this Masters is turning out to be a classic; it's just unfolding in ways I never thought possible. 

One epic disaster on day one was followed by another on day two. The second-round goat was played by a Tiger. 

One day after Henrik Stenson dropped an 8 on the final hole, Woods flamed in the final holes to push him further back of the lead. 

Tiger entered the second round red-hot, taking birdies on the first two holes. That is when his swing and composure began to whittle down. He will need a big day to contend with some of the next few players who are showing no signs of trouble with Augusta.  

Here is how the leaderboard looks headed into a day three that is guaranteed to be epic. 

Round 2

Pos.	Player	Score	Thru
T1	Jason Dufner	-5	F
T1	Fred Couples	-5	F
T3	Sergio Garcia	-4	F
T3	Rory McIlroy	-4	F
T3	Lee Westwood	-4	F
T3	Louis Oosthuizen	-4	F
T3	Bubba Watson	-4	F

For a an updated leaderboard, visit the official ESPN page. 

1. Fred Couples

We highlight Couples simply because you would have never thought the 52-year-old had it in him to command a dominant drive to the top. 

The fact is he still drives with length that can matter at Augusta, but he has the one club that is crucial on this course, which is a red-hot putter. 

Couples becomes the fan favorite to duplicate his efforts this weekend. 

2. Sergio Garcia

It seems like Garcia is destined to show but flashes of brilliance, only to be undone in the close of major tournaments. 

The man who was once considered to be a phenom is making a strong push to his first green jacket. The 32-year-old had his best finish when he tied for fourth at the Masters, and is in prime position to make a memorable stand in 2012. 

There was a flash of worry when he bogeyed 18, a hole that is eating up the rest of the field.

3. Rory McIlroy

Phil Mickelson is surging and Miguel Jimenez is making a push—but the real story may be the future of the sport in Rory McIlroy. 

He looks as confident as ever, as he builds on a solid day one to deliver a remarkable day two. He is keeping the problems to a minimum, and is salvaging the bad shots before they turn into another one of those disasters that seem to be rampant this week.