It’s hard to believe, but the 2022 Masters is already at the halfway point. The world’s top-ranked player has a commanding lead, but there’s still plenty of drama that’s sure to unfold over the next two rounds.
Here are five things you need to know for Saturday’s third round at Augusta.
1. Scottie Scheffler is in control
The learning curve is supposed to be steep for young players at Augusta, but you’d never know it if you watched Scottie Scheffler play on Friday. The 25-year-old lit up the course in tough conditions, firing a sizzling five-under 67.
Scheffler now holds a five-shot lead over his closest competitors, who are locked in a four-way tie for second and are three under par overall: Charl Schwartzel, Sungjae Im, Shane Lowry and Hideki Matsuyama.
2. Former champs are lurking
As impressive as Scheffler’s play has been through two rounds, there’s plenty of golf left to play — and plenty of experienced players who will do their very best to give Scheffler as much of a challenge as they can muster. Among them: major winners like Matsuyama, Lowry and Schwartzel mentioned above, as well as others.
Dustin Johnson is six shots back at two under overall, and Collin Morikawa, Danny Willett and Justin Thomas are seven shots back at one under
Tour Confidential Daily: What’s been the biggest surprise at the midway point of the Masters?
3. Tiger Woods made the cut
Yeah, he’s nine shots back, but when Tiger Woods makes the cut at a major championship, there’s always a chance. And given what we’ve seen so far from the Big Cat, one thing’s for sure: he’s going to continue to exceed our expectations. He’s currently one over par, but regardless of how he finishes this week, it sure feels good to have Tiger back on the leaderboard.
4. The big defense
Only three players in history have successfully defended their Masters titles: Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
This year, Matsuyama has a chance to add his name to that list, and he’s already well-positioned: T2 after two rounds, and five shots behind Scheffler’s lead.
5. The forecast
Players will be relieved to note that the worst of the weather appears to be behind them. Friday’s mighty gusts are expected to mellow into the 9-16 mph range on Saturday afternoon, though the temperature will max out at a relatively chilly 57 degrees. Bring your sweater!
