Masters 2016: Live Updates for Leaderboard Scores on Saturday
Jordan Spieth posted a second-round score of two over par Friday as the entire field at the 2016 Masters encountered difficult, windy conditions, but the tournament's defending champion maintained his perch atop the leaderboard and is entering moving day as the man to beat.
However, a talented pack is in pursuit, and it includes experienced studs like Rory McIlroy at three under, and Hideki Matsuyama and Brandt Snedeker at one under.
So as the action at Augusta National Golf Club gets set to heat up following a thrilling Thursday and Friday, here's a look at live scores and players to watch as things unfold.
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Players to Watch
Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy
If recent history is any indication, Spieth is without question the field's top contender as his Saturday tee time approaches. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the 22-year-old has been on a tear of late when he's entered Saturday with a 36-hole lead:
But in order to keep that trend going, Spieth will need to fend off McIlroy, who has actually bested Spieth from a scoring perspective in majors over the past two years, per Golf Channel's Justin Ray:
"I'd rather be playing with someone less threatening, to be honest," Spieth said, according to GolfChannel.com's Rex Hoggard. "He's certainly proven himself in majors. But I think it's going to be fun, a really fun challenge."
Another trend working in McIlroy's favor: According to Hoggard, McIlroy is tied with Bubba Watson for the most wins (six) since 2010 when trailing after 36 holes.
But regardless of which player asserts his dominance more, Spieth and McIlroy should put on a show for the ages. The two youngsters have combined to win six major championships in their last 40 starts, while all other players in Saturday's top 10 have combined to win zero in 219 starts, per Ray.
In other words, those two are in a class of their own. And with Spieth seeking to become the first player since Tiger Woods (2001-2002) to capture back-to-back green jackets and McIlroy in pursuit of the career Grand Slam, the drama should ratchet up as two of the game's best trade shots on one of golf's most hallowed grounds.
Bryson DeChambeau
No amateur has ever won the Masters, but the aura surrounding 22-year-old Bryson DeChambeau has been impossible to ignore.
DeChambeau has been a model of consistency with first- and second-round tallies of 72, and his composure in the face of daunting conditions at the year's biggest major has been impressive, to say the least.
However, even-par scores may not cut it with Spieth and McIlroy jockeying for position. Rather, red figures will be necessary for the amateur to leave his mark and make history.
"I'm only four back," DeChambeau said following Friday's round, according to USA Today's Nancy Armour. "Look, if I don't play well over the weekend, I don't play well. And if I do, I do. And if I do that, which I know I can, it will be a cool journey."
But even if DeChambeau does fall short, he's already made a fan out of one of the game's top players thanks to his poise and an unconventional one-plane swing that has captivated spectators all week long.
"He's still quite young, but he's very mature and very smart," McIlroy said, according to Bill Fields of the Masters' official website. "I think he'll handle it very well. ... I'm sort of looking forward to see how he does, too, because he's a great talent and obviously has his own unique way of playing."
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