Masters 2015 Leaderboard: Updating Results and Standings for Friday
Augusta National yielded some low numbers Thursday due to some great scoring conditions. While 30 players finished under par after 18 holes, no one came close to Jordan Spieth's eight-under 64—a score that missed a tie for the course record and low round in a major by just one stroke.
Sure, some luck was needed for Spieth to generate such a low number—a fortunate bounce off the pines and back into the fairway on No. 13 was one prime example. However, due to golf's fickle nature, some luck is necessary to win a prestigious tournament with an elite field.
Spieth is currently being chased by a quartet of players at five under par for the tournament, as Justin Rose, Charley Hoffman, Ernie Els and Jason Day each posted a 67 Thursday. With 54 holes yet to play, the year's first major is still well up for grabs.
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So, how is the field faring to this point during the second day of action at Augusta? Here's a look at the tournament's updated leaderboard:
Day 2 Storylines to Watch
Nasty Weather Incoming?
The sun was shining during Round 1 of the Masters, and while there were some swirling winds, most of the field was able to take full advantage of the good conditions and post respectable numbers. Well, they may not be so fortunate on Day 2.
According to Weather.com, things have taken a turn for the worse. While temperatures will still be elevated at 87 degrees, there is now a 40 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms—some of which could be nasty—and winds in excess of 12 mph.
This could affect the field in a big way, as players with early tee times should miss the brunt of the bad weather, while golfers who begin the day later could be in for some rough conditions. So, which players are in good shape and which aren't?
Expect 46-year-old South African Ernie Els to remain in the mix, as he tees off nice and early at 8:40 a.m. ET. Spieth's luck continues, as he will set foot onto Augusta at 9:57 a.m. ET. He'll be followed closely by Tiger Woods, who will tee off at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Unfortunately, some contenders are set to tee off much later in the day, including world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who shares a 1:48 p.m. tee time with Phil Mickelson. Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed are among the remaining players who will begin Round 2 after noon.
What's Next for Tiger Woods?
No one knew exactly what to expect from Woods in the Masters. His game was in shambles entering the tournament, as he was dealing with lingering health issues, a bevy of swing changes and yips around the green. For all we knew, he could have posted an 85.
Well, it didn't quite turn out that way, as the former world No. 1 looked solid and scored a one-over 73 as a result. Aside from some errant shots on No. 9, Woods' game appeared good enough to warrant a potential run over the remaining 54 holes, and he could possibly find himself in contention come Sunday.
Much of his early success stemmed from a short game that suddenly looked great. His yips are a thing of the past, and he was strong around the green Thursday.
He spoke of his performance during a press conference, via Brian Wacker of PGATour.com: "[My short game is] my strength again. That's why I've busted my butt. That's why I took time off. That's why I hit thousands and thousands of shots to make sure that it's back to being my strength."
If he can keep that trend going throughout the remainder of the tournament, Woods may provide us with some Sunday thrills once more.
Rory McIlroy's Quest for the Career Grand Slam
There was a great deal of pressure placed on the world No. 1 entering the Masters. He had won the last two majors in 2014 and was just a green jacket shy of completing the career Grand Slam, a feat that only six players—Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Woods—have previously accomplished.
McIlroy remained patient on Day 1 of the Masters and took the round in stride. He came away with a one-under 71 after a pair of birdies on the back nine par fives made up for some previous mistakes. Still, with plenty of hype and pressure on his shoulders, McIlroy was astoundingly consistent and avoided any major hiccups.
Here's what he had to say about his effort during a press conference, via Wacker: "It could have been a round that got away from me. I just stayed patient, realizing that it's a 72-hole golf tournament and not having to press too much."
McIlroy drove the ball consistently Thursday, hitting 13 out of a possible 14 fairways. His iron play wasn't as crisp as he would have liked, but he had to have been pleased with the way he was striking the ball off the tee. If that continues and his irons get hot, expect to see him make a big move up the leaderboard.
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