Saturday Masters Preview: Jon Rahm hoping weather does not hinder his pursuit of Brooks Koepka
Jon Rahm’s pursuit of Masters leader Brooks Koepka was dependant on the weather at Augusta National (Matt Slocum/AP).
A rejuvenated Brooks Koepka took a three-shot lead into the weekend of the 87th Masters as Jon Rahm hoped the weather would not hinder his pursuit of the four-time major winner.
Koepka added a bogey-free 67 to his opening 65 at Augusta National for a halfway total of 12 under par, the joint-third lowest in tournament history alongside LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman.
Rahm had reached nine under par midway through his round when play was suspended for the second time on Friday afternoon as strong winds brought three trees crashing down across the 17th tee.
Remarkably no spectators were hurt in the terrifying incident, but play was later abandoned for the day and scheduled to resume at 8am local time on Saturday, although prolonged spells of rain were forecast.
US Amateur champion Sam Bennett was Koepka’s nearest challenger in the clubhouse on eight under after a second consecutive 68, but Rory McIlroy was set to miss the cut after a hugely disappointing 77 left him five over par.
Tiger Woods remained two over par after 11 holes of his second round, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler four-putted the ninth on his way to a 75 which dropped him 11 shots behind Koepka.
Quote of the day
US Amateur champion Sam Bennett was certainly not lacking confidence after consecutive rounds of 68 on his Masters debut.
Shot of the day
Jason Day left himself short-sided on the daunting 11th, but produced a moment of magic to make an unlikely birdie.
Round of the day
It is never easy following up a low score, yet Koepka did precisely that with a blemish-free 67 to add to his opening 65.
Statistic of the day
Bad news for Rory McIlroy after he stumbled to a second round of 77.
Easiest hole (round incomplete)
Leader Brooks Koepka was one of three players to make an eagle on the par-five eighth, which also yielded 42 birdies and played to an average of 4.488.
Hardest hole
Open champion Cameron Smith was the only player to birdie the 495-yard par-four fifth hole, which played a total of 30 over par and an average of 4.349.
Weather forecast
Widespread rain arrives early on Saturday morning and will continue throughout the day, with heavy rainfall likely to occur at times. Rain persists into Saturday night but will gradually diminish to light showers by daybreak on Sunday. Dry conditions finally return on Sunday afternoon, with overcast skies becoming partly sunny during the late afternoon hours.
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