Justin Rose maintained his lead at the 89th Masters, holding off Bryson DeChambeau by one stroke after the second round at Augusta National. Rory McIlroy surged into contention with a brilliant back-nine performance, shooting a bogey-free 66 to sit just two shots behind Rose.
Rose, who had a three-shot lead after the first round, carded a 71 on Friday to reach eight-under for the tournament. McIlroy, who had struggled on the back nine on Thursday, bounced back with three birdies and an eagle to climb up the leaderboard.
The Northern Irishman, looking to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters, emphasized the importance of staying focused and confident in his game. With his experience at Augusta National, McIlroy believes he has what it takes to contend for the green jacket.
DeChambeau, the defending US Open champion, made a strong push on Friday with a 68, including a crucial par save on the final hole. The American expressed satisfaction with his performance and hinted at a newfound control over his game.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, facing windy conditions, managed to stay in the mix with a one-under 71 to sit tied for fifth. The defending champion is aiming to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.
Meanwhile, England’s Tyrrell Hatton had a rollercoaster round, coming within one shot of Rose before faltering with late bogeys. Despite the setbacks, Hatton remains in contention heading into the weekend.
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel showed resilience with an even-par 72 to secure his spot for the weekend, tied for 40th. However, his compatriots Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Thriston Lawrence failed to make the cut after challenging rounds at Augusta.
As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for an exciting weekend of golf at the Masters. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for the coveted green jacket, the competition promises to deliver thrilling moments and memorable performances on the iconic Augusta National course.
