fbpx
Masters 2016: Rory McIlroy closes the gap on Jordan Spieth after round two

Masters 2016: Rory McIlroy closes the gap on Jordan Spieth after round two

Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy will be paired together in the final group on Saturday..
 

Four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy is just one shot behind leader Jordan Spieth, after carding an impressive 1-under-par round of 71.

With the wind gusting, conditions were a lot tougher than the first round, and scoring proved that with a lot of scores in the high 70’s, in fact there were only five rounds under-par.

McIlroy started strong with early birdies at the 2nd and 3rd, but a sloppy double bogey at the 4th cancelled out his good early work. After another bogey on the 11th, McIlroy rallied back with birdies at the par 5 13th & 15th to get back to 2-under-par for the tournament. The Northern Irishman then showed his class with a 30-foot left to right swinging birdie putt on the 16th hole, and all of a sudden was within sight of Spieth. After scuttling out of the trees at 18, McIlroy produced what could turn out to be a significant par save to finish his round on 1-under-par, and 3-under for the Tournament.

The Masters - Round Two

At one point, Jordan Spieth was 8-under-par and five shots clear of his closest competitor, but an uncharacteristic 4-putt double-bogey on the 5th hole brought the chasing pack that little bit closer and his tension levels certainly rose during the next few hours. Spieth was frustrated, and was in danger of letting the round slip away from him. A couple of good par saves at 12 & 14 steadied the ship somewhat. That was until he reached the 16th tee. Another 3-putt meant another bogey, which was then followed up by another  on the 17th hole. The defending champion made sure he would have a one shot lead heading into the weekend with a great up and down at the last from the bunker. He will play in the final group tomorrow with Rory McIlroy, a pairing that everyone will be eager to see.

Elsewhere on the course, world Number one Jason Day battled hard for a 1-over-par 73, but will still fancy his chances being just five shots off the lead heading into the weekend.

It was not a good day for former Masters champions with Charl Schwartzel, Trevor Immelman and Phil Mickelson all failing to make the 6-over-par cut. Bubba Watson and Adam Scott find themselves with a  mountain to climb if they have any hopes of winning another green jacket.

It was also a tricky day for the Brits. Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey all started their second rounds on 3-under-par, but after 36 holes find themselves all over par for the Tournament.

The real winner today though was Augusta National. The conditions were tough, but not as tough as some of the pin positions and firm greens. Tomorrow is another day, and will hopefully be a day that will live long in the memory.

Read more

 

 

 

 

Latest Posts

dp world tour 2024 schedule

DP World Tour

DP World Tour 2024 schedule and results

Read full article - DP World Tour 2024 schedule and results
liv golf schedule 2024

LIV Golf

LIV Golf schedule 2024: Every date, venue and result

Read full article - LIV Golf schedule 2024: Every date, venue and result
players championship field 2024

News

Players Championship field: Who is playing at TPC Sawgrass?

Read full article - Players Championship field: Who is playing at TPC Sawgrass?
LIV Golf

LIV Golf

How far have the LIV golfers fallen in the world rankings?

Read full article - How far have the LIV golfers fallen in the world rankings?
pga championship field

News

World Golf Rankings 2024: Who’s in the top 10?

Read full article - World Golf Rankings 2024: Who’s in the top 10?
LIV Golf

LIV Golf

Show me the money! How much has each LIV player made since signing up?

Read full article - Show me the money! How much has each LIV player made since signing up?
rory mcilroy talor gooch

News

Rory McIlroy’s advice for Talor Gooch: Be more like Joaquin Niemann!

Read full article - Rory McIlroy’s advice for Talor Gooch: Be more like Joaquin Niemann!
viktor hovland prize money

News

Soulless, comical and sad: Viktor Hovland has a bleak outlook on golf

Read full article - Soulless, comical and sad: Viktor Hovland has a bleak outlook on golf
talor gooch

LIV Golf

‘It’s noteworthy’: Talor Gooch defends controversial Rory McIlroy asterisk claim

Read full article - ‘It’s noteworthy’: Talor Gooch defends controversial Rory McIlroy asterisk claim