Spieth Leads, McIlroy in Pursuit at the 2016 Masters

The weekday rounds of the 2016 Masters have now concluded and a familiar face is atop the leaderboard. Reigning Masters Champion Jordan Spieth currently leads the field with a score of 4-under and a single shot lead over Rory McIlroy. The cut has also been set at 6-over.

Today's second round marks the 6th consecutive round that the Jordan Spieth has held the lead at the Masters, a record he now shares with golfing legend Arnold Palmer. Right from the open, Spieth impressed, shooting a 6-under 66 in the opening round. At one point today, he held a five shot lead, but ended up shooting a 2-over 74.

Most players rounds followed a similar suit to Spieth's. The scoring average for the opening round was much lower than today's average. Only four players in the field managed a sub-par round, Rory McIlroy included in this, shooting a 1-under. Amateur Bryson DeChambeau was on track to shoot a 3-under round, but found trouble off the tee and triple-bogeyed the 18th hole. However there were some players who found trouble during their opening round too, such as Rickie Fowler who shot an 80, and Ernie Els, who also shot an 80.

Today's round was also special for golfing legend Tom Watson, who played his last professional Masters round today. Watson was making good progress to make the cut, but after a series of bad putts found himself below it. If he made the cut, he would have been the oldest player in Masters history to do so.

Finally, here's how are picks are doing. Jason Day currently sits at T15 after shooting a 72/73. In today's round he was 2-under going into the back nine, but bogeyed several holes on the back nine. Just under Day at T33 is Henrik Stenson, who shot a 72/75. Like Day, Stenson found trouble on the back nine today. Lastly, Phil Mickelson failed to make the cut, just barely, in a shock to many, shooting 72/79. The 2010 Masters Champion shot even par on his first day, but found trouble on the closing holes of both nines today, with many of his shorter shots finding water hazards.

Saturday is moving day and it's sure to be exciting, headlined by the fact that Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy will be in the final grouping. That's sure to bring excitement to any golfer and it's going to be great to watch these two battle it out.

Stay tuned Sunday evening for our results post to see who's won. Also check out our Twitter page for day to day coverage of the Masters.


-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews

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