Patrick Reed stormed his way to the top of the Masters Leaderboard on day two of the Augusta event after carding a stunning nine birdies during his second round. Marc Leishman is hot on the American’s heels, with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson, and Justin Thomas in the chasing pack. Day one leader Jordan Spieth steadied himself after a shocking start to remain in the frame, while Tiger Woods’ chances of glory are pretty much over.
Below we look at five talking points from an action-packed second-day.
Rampant Reed leads at halfway point
If the opening day belonged to Spieth, then the second round was definitely that of his buddy Reed who heads into day three with a two shot lead at the summit after carding a superb 66 to take him to -9 overall.
Reed, who in four attempts has never finished in the top-20 at Augusta, will now feel he has a real chance of bagging his first major title. There’s obviously a long way to go, but the American is in scorching hot form, and will be gunning to extend his lead on Saturday.
Shot of the Day: Marc Leishman
Tiger Woods may have been toiling, but playing partner Marc Leishman continued his cracking form at this year’s Masters. The Australian carded a very impressive 67 for the day, taking is overall score to -7, meaning it’s only Reed who sits above him in the leaderboard.
Leishman also can take immense pride in hitting the shot of the tournament so far on the par-5 15th hole. The 34-year-old brilliantly hooked the ball 40 yards to within a few feet of the flag, then coolly bagged a stupendous eagle.
Marvel at the moment of magic right here:
Jordan Spieth stutters before steadying himself
Many thought that Spieth would go on and stretch his lead on the Friday, however the 2015 champion now finds himself five shots adrift of new frontrunner Reed after recording a disappointing 74 for the day.
However, it could have been a lot worse for the American who threw away three shots on his opening three holes, then another on the 7th. But, to his credit he then composed himself on the back nine and grabbed two shots back. He’ll now play alongside Dustin Johnson on Saturday in the third from last pairing.
Tiger lacks bite
Woods struggled to get to grips with the conditions and pin positions on a disappointing day two. In fact, the four-time Masters champion only just made the cut following a three-over 75, leaving him down in T40. Woods’ chances of sporting a fifth Green Jacket may be all but over, for this year at least, but on Saturday he plays alongside Ian Poulter in what promises to be a spicy partnership.
Sergio Garcia misses out
Sergio Garcia became only the fifth defending champion to miss out on the Masters cut after ending day two on +15. The Spaniard's chances of making the weekend were already pretty slim following a nightmare 13 on the 15th hole during a disastrous day one. Day two wasn't a whole much better, finishing on a six-over 78. However, Garcia will have to stick around until Sunday when he hands over the Green Jacket to this year's winner.
