Masters 2017 Leaderboard: Live Look at Saturday Scores and Overall Predictions

Now that the field at the 2017 Masters has been cut down, Saturday gives the quartet of players tied for the lead at four-under par—Charley Hoffman, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Pieters, Rickie Fowler—an opportunity to establish some breathing room heading into the final day of competition tomorrow.

Hoffman's second round was an unfortunate step back, as he struggled his way to a 75 after opening with a fantastic seven-under par on Thursday. Garcia has been more consistent through 36 holes, shooting 71-69 in the first two rounds in search of his first career major title.

Leaderboard Analysis

The gathering atop the leaderboard sets things up for the perfect drama on Sunday, but the picture will start to become clear after the third round. 

Among the four players tied for the lead, Garcia will likely be the sentimental favorite. He's still in search of that elusive first major after posting two top-five finishes last year at the U.S. Open and British Open. 

However, per Justin Ray of the Golf Channel, Garcia's history in the third round at Augusta doesn't bode well for his chances:

On the bright side for Garcia, he did show vast improvement in the second round this year (69) compared to 2016, when he shot a 75. He's also shot in the 60s in the third round of each of his last two PGA Tour events. 

ESPN Stats & Info noted Garcia has been able to conquer the two most difficult holes at the Masters this week:

Based on the numbers Garcia has put up this week, it's safe to bet on him overcoming that long track record of disappointment on Saturday at the Masters. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hoffman's surprising first-round success (65) quickly gave way to a more expected 75 on Friday. He was able to keep himself tied for the lead but missed a golden opportunity to separate himself from the field. 

ESPN Stats & Info documented the beginning of Hoffman's slide:

The Masters is the only major tournament Hoffman has finished inside the top 10 before, but his overall lack of success on a stage this big makes it more likely that he will shoot closer to 75 than 65 in the third round and fall off the pace.

Fowler found the magic formula on the course Friday, posting the lowest score of the day with a 67. His momentum started early with a fantastic chip-in birdie from the bunker on No. 2:

This bodes well for Fowler heading into the weekend, because the second round has been a problem for him this season. His second-round scoring average of 70.57 coming into the Masters ranked 105th on tour, but his third-round average drops to 67.83, per PGATour.com.

Jordan Spieth is the sleeping giant ready to break out. He climbed into a tie for 10th with a 69 in the second round, and oddsmakers are not waiting to capitalize, per Jeff Sherman of Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook:

Spieth's 69 on Friday ended a streak of four straight rounds at the Masters over par. He had fired off eight consecutive rounds under par during this tournament prior to that run, so this was a much-needed turnaround for the 23-year-old. 

Saturday Prediction

One key factor heading into Saturday is the weather. It is going to be near-pristine conditions for the players, with temperatures expected to hit 70 degrees under mostly sunny skies and minimal winds, per Weather.com.

That sets up well for Fowler to post another low score, because he's a big hitter off the tee, averaging 301.5 yards per drive, per PGATour.com.

Spieth is an interesting outsider looking to make a move, but asking anyone to make up a four-shot deficit in one day is a lot. He's going to inch closer to the lead, setting himself up for a dramatic come-from-behind effort on Sunday. 

As things stand, though, Garcia is still the name that jumps out. He's been as consistent as any player so far with two rounds under par. His talent is so good that he deserves to win at least one major sooner than later. 

Heading into Sunday, the rest of the field will be looking at Garcia.