Early leader Rose happy with recovery on ‘challenging day’
Even Justin Rose himself knew he would have his work cut out trying to back up one of the best rounds in Masters history, having started the second day in the 85th edition with a four-shot lead on the back of a sevenunder-par 65 in firm and fast conditions at Augusta.
“It is hard,” admitted the Englishman of players generally knowing they are going to have their work cut out the day after going low. “We haven't quite figured out that dynamic; otherwise, we'd do a better job that second day.”
It was by no means a disastrous follow-up for Rose. Three-over for the day after seven holes, he produced his best stuff over the closing 11 holes for the second day running. Helped by three birdies in the last seven holes, he added a par-72 to that sensational firstday effort to remain on seven-under.
However, his inability to keep the foot down resulted in some ominous threats edging closer to him. Jordan Spieth, the 2015 champion and firing on all cylinders again after ending a lengthy drought last weekend, moved within two shots after a four-under 68.
Justin Thomas, the world number two and recent Players Championship winner, is a shot further back, as is Tony Finau, who only has a Puerto Rico Open title to his name, but has knocked on the door in the past in majors.
“I didn't quite appreciate the scoring was going to be quite so good today,” admittedolympicchampionrose, a runner-up in this event in both 2015 and 2017.
“I think it was just a classic day at Augusta National when you're just slightly off. You can be a foot or two out on certain occasions and you end up struggling.
“I felt like the turning point for me, a good two-putt on number nine just to stop the rot and then walk onto the back nine and try to build something fresh and something new. Actually started to play pretty well from that point onwards.”
After being overtaken at one point by Australian Marc Leishman, pictured inset, the 2012 US Open champion got his nose back in front again thanks to birdies at the 13th, 14th and 16th, where he made a two for the second day running.
“I think it was a worthwhile dayforme,”addedrose.“i’m not brimming with confidence right now, so today was always going to be challenging. I felt I grew a little bit from today, which is good.” Spieth, who finished second the year before his win here and also the year after, made his score with a burst of thee birdies late on, having well and truly regained his mojo with a victory in the Valero Texas Open last Sunday.
Finau carded an eagle and six birdies as he took route 66 in his move up the leaderboard while Thomas is lurking ominously after a 67 that contained six birdies, including four in five holes on the back nine.
Bryson Dechambeau, the US Open champion, looked to be in danger of missing the cut after slipping to five-over early in his round before four birdies in last six holes salvaged the situation. He sits on one-under.