ESPN News Services
Apr 11, 2025, 08:17 PM ETOpen Extended Reactions
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Justin Rose did just enough to keep the lead Friday in the Masters, but he suddenly has a lot of company going into the weekend at Augusta National.
Bryson DeChambeau became the only player with consecutive sub-70 rounds and got within one shot, putting him in the final group. Right behind was Rory McIlroy, who tried to erase from his memory that sloppy finish in the first round and roared into contention to put the career Grand Slam back into view.
Scottie Scheffler started his title defense with 24 straight holes without a bogey. He then made five bogeys over the last 12 holes to slow his progress. He still was only three shots behind.
Sixteen players were separated by five shots at the halfway point, nine of them major champions and three of them with experience winning at Augusta National.
“The leaderboard is stacking up very favorably for what looks like world-class players right up there,” Rose said after his 1-under 71, which featured birdies on the par-5s on the front nine and on the par-3s on the back nine.
“So you’re going to