Spieth Leads, McIlroy in Pursuit at the 2016 Masters

The weekday rounds of the 2016 Masters have now concluded and a familiar face is atop the leaderboard. Reigning Masters Champion Jordan Spieth currently leads the field with a score of 4-under and a single shot lead over Rory McIlroy. The cut has also been set at 6-over.

Today's second round marks the 6th consecutive round that the Jordan Spieth has held the lead at the Masters, a record he now shares with golfing legend Arnold Palmer. Right from the open, Spieth impressed, shooting a 6-under 66 in the opening round. At one point today, he held a five shot lead, but ended up shooting a 2-over 74.

Most players rounds followed a similar suit to Spieth's. The scoring average for the opening round was much lower than today's average. Only four players in the field managed a sub-par round, Rory McIlroy included in this, shooting a 1-under. Amateur Bryson DeChambeau was on track to shoot a 3-under round, but found trouble off the tee and triple-bogeyed the 18th hole. However there were some players who found trouble during their opening round too, such as Rickie Fowler who shot an 80, and Ernie Els, who also shot an 80.

Today's round was also special for golfing legend Tom Watson, who played his last professional Masters round today. Watson was making good progress to make the cut, but after a series of bad putts found himself below it. If he made the cut, he would have been the oldest player in Masters history to do so.

Finally, here's how are picks are doing. Jason Day currently sits at T15 after shooting a 72/73. In today's round he was 2-under going into the back nine, but bogeyed several holes on the back nine. Just under Day at T33 is Henrik Stenson, who shot a 72/75. Like Day, Stenson found trouble on the back nine today. Lastly, Phil Mickelson failed to make the cut, just barely, in a shock to many, shooting 72/79. The 2010 Masters Champion shot even par on his first day, but found trouble on the closing holes of both nines today, with many of his shorter shots finding water hazards.

Saturday is moving day and it's sure to be exciting, headlined by the fact that Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy will be in the final grouping. That's sure to bring excitement to any golfer and it's going to be great to watch these two battle it out.

Stay tuned Sunday evening for our results post to see who's won. Also check out our Twitter page for day to day coverage of the Masters.


-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews

 Can Jordan Spieth pull off another Masters win this year?

2016 Masters Preview and Picks

Wow, it's been some time since our last post. After our longer than normal winter break we're back, this week with perhaps the most famous tournament in all of golf. We're of course talking about The Masters, live from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This week, the best of the best in men's professional golf will congregate to Augusta in hopes of winning the coveted green jacket and their place in history.

The Masters was first contested in 1934, this year marking the 82th edition of the tournament, and is best known as the most traditional major on tour. In fact, tradition is a major theme at the tournament. As mentioned before, a green jacket is awarded to the winner of the tournament. The winner can keep this jacket for one year, after which it must be returned to Augusta National, where it is stored. The Champions Dinner, held the Tuesday evening prior to the start of the tournament, is an exclusive dinner only past champions and members of the club can attend. One of the most recent traditions has been the opening tee shots, which are performed by golfing legends. Last year, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus teed it up to commence the tournament. A par 3 competition is also held on the par 3 course at Augusta, which usually gives out a number of hole-in-ones each year.

There's golfing merit to back up all the traditions and prestige of the tournament. The Masters is perhaps the most recognizable and prestigeous tournament played in golf. Winning the Masters can launch an ordinary golfer's career to the next level, regardless of the WGC points and prize money it hands out (about 1.8 million this year for the winner). Speaking of golfers, who will be getting an invite this year? Past major champions and top 12 finishers in the previous edition of the tournament, the last five major champions, including runner-ups, certain PGA Tour winners of last season, the top 50 on the World Golf Rankings, etc. There are also a number of amateurs playing in the tournaments, as a result of certain amateur wins.

Like the tournament it hosts, Augusta National Golf Club is without a doubt one of the most iconic courses in golf. From it's deep green grass to pearl white bunkers, golfers and non-golfers alike can attest to it's beauty. It ranks difficult amongst players too, who will battle against massive elevation changes, sloping fairways, large drop-offs, and lightning fast greens. The course will measure 7,435 yards this year, including a 240-yard par 3 (4th hole "Flowering Crab Apple"). A player who can negotiate around these challenges will succeed here.

Finally, here's who I think has a chance of winning this week:

1) Jason Day: Simple reasons, he's on fire on the course at the moment and playing probably the best golf of his career. He's also the top ranked golfer in the world now and carries great momentum via back to back wins of the WGC Match Play and Arnold Palmer Invitational. If anyone knows how to handle adversity, it's this man.

2) Henrik Stensen: To say Stensen's career has taken off from just several years ago is an understatement. I remember a time when you'd look at the bottom of a leaderboard and most of the time see his name there. He's changed now and always seems to be lurking near the top of a leaderboard each week (he finished 2nd last week at the Houston Open and T3 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational), sort've like Luke Donald a few years ago.

3) Phil Mickelson: Phil and Augusta seem to go hand and hand. He's won here before and always seems to play well around the time of the tournament. He's been having a good season so far, with several T15's or higher. Don't be surprised to find his name near the top of the leaderboard.

The Opening Round kicks off tomorrow morning. Be sure to check out our Weekend Update post Friday evening to see how everyone's playing.

Also, leave a comment and let us know who your picks are,


-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews

All eyes will be on our top pick Jason Day this week