This year's Masters Tournament is heating up as Justin Rose currently leads with an impressive score of -8 through 9 holes. Following closely is Ludvig Aberg, who is positioned at -5 after 5 holes. Golf enthusiasts can catch all the action broadcast live on ESPN from 3 to 7 p.m., with additional streaming available on Masters.com and ESPN+. For those seeking alternative viewing options, Paramount+, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports app also feature dedicated streaming channels for featured groups and holes.
In a thrilling moment, Bryson DeChambeau executed a stunning shot from the sand at the par-3 fourth hole, securing a birdie that placed him in a tie for second place alongside Ludvig Aberg, just three strokes behind the leader. This marked DeChambeau's second birdie of the day and only the third birdie made at No. 4 thus far on Friday, showcasing his exceptional skill on the course.
Justin Rose continues to demonstrate his mastery of Augusta National's challenging par 5s, adding another birdie at the eighth hole to extend his lead to three strokes over Ludvig Aberg. Remarkably, Rose is currently 5 under par on the six par 5s he has played during the tournament, which highlights his strategic approach and proficiency on these pivotal holes.
As the tournament progresses, conditions on the course may become increasingly difficult. The broadcast microphones captured the sound of the wind, and Colt Knost, providing commentary for the featured-group feed, noted that the official forecast predicts gusts nearing 30 mph for Friday afternoon. This weather development could pose challenges for competitors striving to make the cut.
Ludvig Aberg made a significant move by birdying the par-4 third hole, bringing his round score to 1 under and his total to 5 under for the tournament. As the second favorite on the FanDuel odds board behind Scottie Scheffler, Aberg's performance is worth monitoring closely.
Sungjae Im also made headlines by birdying his first two holes, sinking putts totaling 19 feet at Nos. 1 and 2, narrowing the gap to four strokes behind the leader. Despite a less-than-stellar season, Im’s history at Augusta National includes two top-8 finishes, making him a player to keep an eye on.
Rory McIlroy, after facing challenges at the par-5 second hole, managed to recover with a birdie putt, but he remains six strokes behind Justin Rose. Following an opening round that included double bogeys on two of the final four holes, McIlroy's performance will be critical as he attempts to rally in the upcoming rounds.
As the tournament progresses, players are eyeing the cut line, which is projected to settle around 3 over or 4 over, based on calculations from Datagolf. Given the forecast for increasing wind speeds later in the day, competitors looking to secure a spot in the weekend rounds may face a tough challenge.
Despite a few bumps, including a bogey at the par-4 fifth hole, Justin Rose remains a formidable leader with a score of 7 under par. His ability to recover and maintain composure under pressure will be crucial as he looks to extend his lead in the remaining rounds of the Masters.
As the tournament unfolds, golf fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the leaderboard shifts, especially with key players like Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, and Ludvig Aberg vying for the coveted green jacket. Stay tuned for updates as the best golfers in the world navigate the challenges of Augusta National.
