Tiger Woods on course for 24th cut on the trot at Augusta
The second round of The Masters promised a gripping showdown, with Bryson DeChambeau leading the charge, closely pursued by Scottie Scheffler, while golfing legend Tiger Woods aimed to rekindle his major magic.
Augusta National witnessed a marathon day, commencing early as 27 golfers, including Woods, completed their weather-delayed first rounds before embarking on another round under the sun’s gaze.
With the first round wrapped up, anticipation for golfing theatrics surged across the leaderboard.
All eyes turned to Woods, seeking a record 24th consecutive cut made at Augusta National.
A five-time Green Jacket winner, Woods has scripted numerous memorable Masters moments, yet he faces a formidable task after concluding his opening round with a one-over 73.
At one-under through 13 holes, Woods encountered challenges with a bogey at the 14th, followed by another at the 18th, intensifying the test for his willpower and injury-worn body.
Having played only 24 holes this year before the tournament, the 15-time major champion aims to navigate nearly as many holes in a single day, eyeing both the Masters cut record and a potential sixth Green Jacket.
Leading the pack are two compelling figures: the bold Bryson DeChambeau of LIV Golf and the understated Scottie Scheffler, who has been a force on the PGA Tour with two wins and a runner-up finish in his recent outings.
DeChambeau surged to a seven-under 65 with a late flurry of birdies on Thursday, while Scheffler matched his pace with a flawless six-under-par 66, propelled by a late surge of his own.
Making his Masters debut, Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard and world No. 11 Max Homa trail the leader by two shots, with 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, returning from shoulder surgery, three strokes off the pace.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, joined by Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, seeks to build on his one-under 71 as he pursues the elusive career grand slam of major victories.
Spaniard Jon Rahm, aiming to join the elite ranks of back-to-back Green Jacket winners, strives to regain momentum after an opening one-over 73.
On the leaderboard, Akshay Bhatia finds himself tied for 17th after completing 16 holes on Day 1, while Sahith Theegala trails further down at tied 42nd with a one-over score in 11 holes, as Indian-American golfers navigate a steady start amidst the tournament’s unfolding drama.
