Masters 2015 Leaderboard: Latest Scores and Standings from Friday at Augusta

After an opening round that saw some strong scores posted, play continues Friday at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, with 21-year-old phenom Jordan Spieth pacing the field.

The impressive Texan has shown no signs of slowing down, but he isn't the only one enjoying success in the second round. A number of talented golfers are doing everything they can to remain within striking distance and keep things interesting entering the weekend.

Here is a look at the current leaderboard, including further analysis regarding the stars who are in control of the tournament thus far.

Analyzing Top Contenders

Jordan Spieth

Although he was on the shortlist of many in terms of Masters contenders prior to the start of the tournament, Spieth is undoubtedly exceeding even the wildest expectations that golf observers had for him at Augusta National.

It all started Thursday when Spieth was about as close to perfect as possible. He opened the tournament with an eight-under 64, which was one of the best first-round performances in the history of the Masters, according to Sky Sports News HQ:

That score would have been impressive for anyone, but it was even more significant due to the fact that Spieth established himself as the youngest all-time leader after a single round at the Masters, per SportsCenter:

He set an extremely high bar to live up to entering the second round, but he has somehow managed to do it. The up-and-coming superstar has continued to widen his lead, and he is in hot pursuit of another Masters record, according to ESPN Stats & Info:

Even if Spieth doesn't play quite as well on Saturday and Sunday, he is building himself such a significant cushion that it may not matter.

Of course, there is always the possibility that the enormity of leading the Masters could wreak havoc on Spieth's game when crunch time approaches, but he hasn't shown any signs of wilting.

His confidence is something to behold, and if he keeps it up, then nobody will be able to track him down.

Charley Hoffman

Patric Schneider/Associated Press

Charley Hoffman has been a solid, consistent player on the PGA Tour for quite some time, but that hasn't translated into success at major tournaments. In the midst of his second round at the 2015 Masters, though, that seems to be changing.

The 38-year-old native of San Diego's best finish at a major was a 27th-place result at the 2011 Masters. His opening-round performance suggested that he could better that mark, and he has cemented his status during the second round as well.

As seen in this graphic courtesy of BBC Sport, Hoffman came out of the gates firing Thursday with a five-under 67:

Hoffman has continued to play quality golf Friday, and he stands as Spieth's top competition right now. Unfortunately for him, Spieth is outperforming everyone by a wide margin, which means that chasing him down will be a tall order.

While Hoffman would be the talk of the tournament in most other years, there is no doubt that he is being overshadowed by Spieth's incredible start.

It would be understandable if Hoffman got a bit frustrated considering how far back he is of Spieth despite his fine play, but if he can hold it together and remain positive, then he isn't out of it by a long shot.

Ernie Els

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

With four major championships to his credit, Ernie Els is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats. A green jacket has always eluded him, but after Thursday's first round, he looked like a definite threat to win the 2015 Masters.

The Big Easy's five-under 67 put him three strokes behind Spieth, and following that performance, the 45-year-old South African was seemingly optimistic about his chances of winning, according to Jim Litke of The Associated Press (h/t PGA.com).

"Well, that's the plan," Els said. "So we'll see what happens. I think it's well documented that I still feel like I get something out of it. But, you know, these guys are good. I've got a lot of talent, but you've got to get the most out of it now, we're running out of time. But I'll be up for it." 

Els is still very much in the running, but he was unable to close the gap in the second round with an even-par 72.

Even so, it was good enough to give him the clubhouse lead, per Augusta.com:

Els' biggest issue has nothing to do with himself and everything to do with the play of Spieth. He is performing at an insane level, and it seems as though nobody can match that.

Spieth may be due for some type of letdown, though, and if Els continues to play steady golf, then perhaps his dream of winning a green jacket is still within reach.

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