Masters Day Two Wrap-Up

On television, it was another gorgeous day at Augusta -- bright and clear, with all the flowers in bloom.  But in real life, high winds were whipping through the pines, wreaking all sorts of havoc.  Augusta National is designed to be played under relatively placid conditions, and yesterday's windy conditions -- combined with the hills, trees, and fast greens that normally make Augusta National a challenge -- led to a day of very high scoring.  For the first time since 2007, no one in the field broke 70 in a round at the Masters.

At one point, defending champion Jordan Spieth was at 8-under par, five shots clear of the field.  But the wind got to him as well.  He still leads the tournament -- the sixth consecutive round at the Masters where that has been the case -- but his lead is down to a single stroke.  And his main challenger is Rory McIlroy, who may be the greatest golfer in the world.  McIlroy was hurt during part of last year, so his ability to challenge Spieth was limited.  But today he and Spieth are paired together, and the golfing world will get the showdown we have been waiting for.  McIlroy and Spieth have combined to win four of the last six majors.  Spieth is trying to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters Tournaments.  McIlroy is trying to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win a career Grand Slam.  So there is quite a bit at stake.

And besides, there are other golfers who still have a chance to win -- including the remarkable amateur Bryson DeChambeau, from Southern Methodist University, who was only one shot off the lead until he made a triple-bogey seven on the last hole.

Here is the leaderboard:

1.  J. Spieth:  -4 (66+74=140)

2.  R. McIlroy (NIR):  -3 (70+71=141)

T3.  S. Piercy:  -2 (70+72=142)
T3.  D. Lee (NZL):  -2 (68+74=142)

T5.  S. Kjeldsen (DEN):  -1 (69+74=143)
T5.  H. Matsuyama (JPN):  -1 (71+72=143)
T5.  B. Snedeker:  -1 (71+72=143)

T8.  K. Aphibarnrat (THA):  Even (72+72=144)
T8.  D. Berger:  Even (73+71=144)
T8.  Mr. B. DeChambeau (am):  Even (72+72=144)
T8.  S. Garcia (ESP):  Even (69+75=144)
T8.  D. Johnson:  Even (73+71=144)
T8.  S. Lowry (IRL):  Even (68+76=144)
T8.  D. Willett (ENG):  Even (70+74=144)