Masters 2015: Live Updates for Leaderboard Scores on Saturday
There was a great deal of optimism entering the 2015 Masters that it would be an entertaining tournament due to the depth of talent involved, and with the third round in full gear, the tournament certainly hasn't disappointed.
Jordan Spieth has been the highlight thanks to his 36-hole record of 14-under par, but with the likes of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy playing under-par golf as well through two rounds, fans have been treated to a golf at its finest.
With the intensity and pressure reaching new levels over the weekend, it promises to get even better. Here is a look at the current leaderboard, as well as some further analysis regarding the top players worth watching in Saturday's third round.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Players to Watch in Third Round
Jordan Spieth
Despite so much hype surrounding mainstream stars such as McIlroy and Woods entering the Masters, there is no question that Spieth has stolen the show to this point by virtue of his record-setting performance on Thursday and Friday.
The 21-year-old star is the talk of the golf world, and rightfully so, but the true challenge begins for him Saturday as he looks to protect and perhaps build upon the big lead he has created.
Spieth will be a runaway winner if he maintains his current level of play, but history suggests that things could go south in a hurry, according to ESPN Stats & Info:
The sweet-shooting Texan is well aware of that, which is why he isn't taking anything for granted, per BBC Sport:
Spieth holds a five-shot lead over Charley Hoffman in second place ahead of the third round, but with so many low scores out on the course through two days, his lead isn't safe if he starts to falter.
Being near the top of the leaderboard at Augusta National is nothing new for Spieth as he was tied for the 54-hole lead last year.
He ended up finishing in a tie for second behind Watson, and while he didn't come through that time around, there is reason to believe that what he learned through that experience will help him this weekend.
Justin Rose
While Hoffman is in second behind Spieth prior to the leaders teeing off Saturday, it can certainly be argued that England's Justin Rose is the biggest threat to ascend to the top.
The 34-year-old veteran is a former major winner having prevailed at the 2013 U.S. Open, and he has finished in the top five at the Masters before as well. He is capable of registering some unbelievable rounds when he is on his game, and that was certainly apparent Thursday.
Rose was red-hot out of the gates as he fired a five-under 67 in the opening round, and he was thrilled with his form, according to BBC Sport:
Things went haywire early in the second round, but he managed to rebound and salvage a strong performance by posting a two-under 70.
His ability to turn things around makes him quite dangerous, and he seems ready for the challenge that lies ahead, as evidenced by this Instagram post:
Rose may not be viewed as a superstar within the realm of golf, but he is one of the most consistent ball strikers on tour, and he certainly isn't a guy a leader wants to see in his rearview mirror.
Spieth essentially controls his own destiny; however, it could be altered if Rose manages to press the issue Saturday.
Dustin Johnson
There are many players in the conversation regarding the best golfers to never win a major, and there is little doubt that Dustin Johnson is near the top of that list. If his second-round showing is any indication, though, that could change at Augusta National.
After a solid 70 in the first round, the 30-year-old American turned it on Friday to the tune of a five-under 67. As Johnson himself pointed out, he was aided by a single-round Masters-record three eagles:
Johnson's round could have been even better if not for two bogeys and a double-bogey, but his ability to pick up strokes in a hurry makes him extremely dangerous down the stretch.
His skill set makes him a threat to win every time he steps on the course, and it has served him especially well at the 2015 Masters. According to The European Tour on Twitter, Johnson demolished the field Friday when it came to driving distance:
Johnson's length off the tee undoubtedly gives him a distinct advantage, and it is the biggest reason why he led an eagle parade in the second round.
Racking up three more eagles in the third round is a tall order, but if he can at least cut out a couple of the bad holes, then Johnson has a great chance to position himself to make a run at the green jacket Sunday.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
