The Masters – Story of the second round

Patrick Reed reproduced his Ryder Cup form in stunning fashion to claim the halfway lead as the eagerly anticipated 82nd Masters more than lived up to the hype.

Reed had not broken 70 in 12 rounds at Augusta National before this week, but made light of testing conditions to add a superb 66 to his opening 69 to finish nine under par, two shots ahead of Australia’s Marc Leishman.

The leading pair are both seeking a first major title with Leishman having lost out in a play-off for the 2015 Open, but eight of the top 13 have at least one of the game’s biggest titles under their belts.

Former Open champion Henrik Stenson is four shots off the pace on five under par, with Rory McIlroy and 2015 winner Jordan Spieth another stroke back.

TWEET OF THE DAY

Patton Kizzire sums up a frustrating debut after two rounds of 76 meant he missed the cut.

SHOT OF THE DAY

Marc Leishman looked to be blocked out by the trees on the par-five 15th, but had other ideas and produced a slinging hook on to the green from 223 yards which finished six feet from the hole to set up an eagle.

ROUND OF THE DAY

Patrick Reed’s opening 69 was the first time he had broken 70 in the Masters, but he went even better on day two with nine birdies and three bogeys in a superb 66.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s never going to affect my golf, so I’m fine. And I know I’m quick enough. That’s all I’m saying.” – Ian Poulter points the finger at his playing partners after the group were timed for slow play on several occasions.

STATISTIC OF THE DAY

Jordan Spieth failed to make a single birdie on the front nine for the first time in his career, but recovered to card a 74.

TOUGHEST HOLE

The 11th hole marks the start of Amen Corner and with the wind swirling, the long par-four averaged more than half a shot over par. Henrik Stenson chipped in for one of the three birdies made by the 87-strong field, but Ian Poulter chipped across the green into the water to make double bogey.

EASIEST HOLE

With the wind behind, the par-five eighth played the easiest at an average of 4.678, yielding one eagle, 29 birdies and just three bogeys.

ON THE UP

The chances of Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose seeing their invites for next year getting lost in the post after both men described the greens as “getting a little crusty” for the afternoon starters.

ON THE SLIDE

The prospects of Tiger Woods winning a 15th major or Phil Mickelson becoming the oldest Masters champion after Woods made the cut with a shot to spare and Mickelson survived right on the mark of five over.