AUGUSTA, Ga. — The backdrop of Augusta National Golf Club transformed as overnight rains softened the revered course for Round 2 of the 2025 Masters. With winds picking up in the afternoon, players had opportunities to shoot low scores as the 95-man field battled to stay above the cutline.

Justin Rose, the overnight leader, faced increased pressure despite finishing with a respectable 1-under 71. His inability to replicate his stellar opening round means he must now fend off a cadre of golfing heavyweights closing in fast.

Among those vying for the title are the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, alongside notable names such as Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, and Collin Morikawa. With such a compelling lineup, the forthcoming weekend promises to be electric.

Current Standings After 36 Holes.

1. **Justin Rose** (-8): Rose executed a methodical game plan on Friday, opting for prudent play off the tee, primarily with his 3 wood. Though he faced slightly tougher conditions due to the wind, he managed to maintain his lead—albeit with a fierce challenge now looming from countless contenders.

2. **Bryson DeChambeau** (-7): DeChambeau stormed out of the gate, going 4 under through the first eight holes. However, the seams began to show on his second nine as he struggled to retain momentum, ultimately finishing with a 68. Known for his aggression, it will be intriguing to see how he navigates the final rounds.

T3. **Rory McIlroy & Corey Conners** (-6): McIlroy capitalized on favorable conditions with a jaw-dropping 6-under 66, reversing his previous day's woes with an impressive back nine of 31. His precision with iron shots showcased a flair for the dramatic, capped off by a remarkable eagle.

T5. **Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, & Matt McCarty** (-5): Scheffler faced a bumpy ride, struggling with five bogeys intermixed with birdies. Meanwhile, Lowry quietly made a significant move with a solid 68, while Hatton showcased brilliance before faltering down the stretch.

T9. **Viktor Hovland, Jason Day, & Rasmus Højgaard** (-4): Højgaard delivered a brilliant 67 to catapult himself into contention, while Hovland and Day battled their own inconsistencies, narrowly missing out on a stronger position.

T12. **Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Patrick Reed, & Collin Morikawa** (-3): A showdown of champions here, with Matsuyama and Morikawa bouncing back from slow starts while Åberg needs a rallying cry to keep pace.

T17. **Xander Schauffele & Tommy Fleetwood** (-2): These pre-tournament favorites clawed back into contention, showcasing determination with 3-under 69s that re-ignite their hopes of donning the green jacket.

T22. **Min Woo Lee & Bubba Watson** (-1): Watson, a two-time Masters champion, managed to find his rhythm once again, while Lee struggled to string moments of brilliance together.

T27. **Max Homa & Justin Thomas** (E): Both are grinding to stay in the mix, with Homa and Thomas battling through challenging rounds but still clinging to hopes of climbing the leaderboard.

**Notables Who Missed the Cut:** Russell Henley, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson among others—a surprising end for these prominent players at a course known for drama.

With Moving Day on the horizon, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend at Augusta, where every swing could reshape the leaderboard!