Hey Golf Strategy Zone Crew,

Welcome back to Augusta National, where Day 2 of the 2025 Masters served up a feast of birdies, bogeys, and enough leaderboard shake-ups to keep us glued to the screen!

I apologize about the pre-tee-off email, my daughter is teething (my first kid!) and my wife and I have been trying to help her. It’s been tough… but anyway!

Whether you’re strategizing your own game or just loving the drama, let’s unpack the action from Friday with a mix of fun and wisdom to fuel your golf obsession. Ready? Let’s tee off!

The Big Picture: A Leaderboard Loaded with Star Power

Day 2 at the Masters was like a blockbuster movie—big names, unexpected twists, and a cliffhanger setting us up for an epic weekend. Justin Rose held onto his lead at -8, but the chasing pack is stacked with heavy hitters. Bryson DeChambeau (-7) is lurking one shot back, while Rory McIlroy (-6) roared into contention with a gritty rally. Oh, and don’t sleep on Scottie Scheffler (-5), who’s playing the kind of steady golf that makes Augusta’s azaleas blush. (besides him sitting in the woods on 18)

Highlight Reel: Moments That Had Us Yelling at the TV

1. Rory’s Redemption Arc
   After a rough finish on Thursday (two double bogeys, ouch!), McIlroy bounced back with a 66, including a birdie on No. 2 that had us believing the career Grand Slam dream is still alive. Strategy Tip: Rory reminded us to shake off bad holes—focus on the next shot, not the last one.

2. Bryson’s Short-Game Magic
   DeChambeau’s not just a bomber; his chipping and putting were surgical on Friday. Strategy Tip: Work on your wedges—Augusta rewards players who can save par from tricky spots.

3. Scottie’s Chip-In Stunner
   The defending champ chipped in for birdie on No. 12, proving why he’s a two-time Green Jacket winner. Did someone kick the ball outta the woods there?! Cool as a cucumber, even when his ball found the trees. Strategy Tip: Practice those clutch up-and-downs; they’re game-changers under pressure.

4. Matt McCarty’s Wild Ride
   The Masters rookie started with a double bogey-bogey combo but battled back with four straight birdies on 6,7,8 and 9. Talk about heart! I’m excited to see what he does today.
   Strategy Tip: Early trouble? Stay patient—golf rewards those who keep grinding.

_{Leaderboard Lowdown}

Here’s where things stand heading into Moving Day:

• 1. Justin Rose (-8): Steady Eddie with a hot putter. Can he hold off the wolves?

• 2. Bryson DeChambeau (-7): Power and finesse in perfect harmony.

• T3. Rory McIlroy, Corey Conners (-6): Rory’s chasing history; Conners is quietly lethal.

• T5. Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, Matt McCarty, Tyrrell Hatton (-5): A major-champion traffic jam!

Strategy Nuggets for Your Game

Augusta’s teaching us lessons we can take to our own rounds:

• Course Management 101: Rose and Scheffler avoided big mistakes by picking their spots wisely. Next time you’re on a tough course, think: Where’s my safe miss?

• Mental Toughness: McIlroy’s ability to reset after Thursday’s meltdown is a masterclass in resilience. Bad round? Let it go and attack the next one.

• Short-Game Swagger: DeChambeau and Scheffler’s up-and-downs saved their scores. Spend 15 minutes chipping this week—it’ll shave strokes!

What’s Next?

Moving Day is here, and Augusta’s about to get spicy. Will Rose keep his cool? Can McIlroy finally crack the Masters code? Or will Scheffler go “Full Scottie” and run away with it?

Enjoy today and hopefully tonight after the tourney I can get you out another update! Let’s hope the teething gets better for my daughter!

Chat soon,
Chris from GolfStrategyZone.com