The Masters Tournament is well underway, and it’s been a shocking couple of days for some of the big names in the sport. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, last year’s runner-up, is among those who failed to make the cut after signing for an even-par 72 in the first round, followed by a disappointing second-round 77, putting him at 5 over and out of contention.
McIlroy got off to a rocky start in his second round, racking up bogeys at holes 2, 3, 6, 7, and 11. He managed to birdie the par-5 13th and gave himself a chance at an eagle on 15 but missed the six-foot putt. He made the comebacker and got his second birdie in three holes, but then promptly bogeyed the par-3 16th hole, all but ensuring he wouldn’t make the cut. His bogey on 18 capped off a forgettable week for the Northern Irishman.
This is a significant blow for McIlroy, who needs the green jacket to complete the career Grand Slam. He had made 12 cuts in 14 Masters starts coming into this week, and he also came in with high hopes after a third-place finish at the recent World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods is still on the projected cut line with seven holes remaining in his second round, after shooting a 74 on Thursday. If he qualifies for the final two rounds, he will tie the record for most consecutive Masters cuts made.
Other big names who missed the cut include former major champions Francesco Molinari (4 over) and Danny Willett (6 over). Molinari contended until the bitter end here in 2019, when he found the water on 12 and tied for fifth. This year, he struggled to keep up, finishing with a disappointing 76. Willett, the 2016 Masters champ, also had a difficult time and never looked comfortable as he struggled to keep up with playing partners Brooks Koepka (67, 12 under) and Gary Woodland (72, 4 under).
As for the amateurs, all except Sam Bennett, who is currently in third place, missed the cut, meaning Bennett has clinched low-amateur honors. Billy Horschel, Kevin Kisner, and last week’s winner, Corey Conners, also missed the cut.
So, golf fans, it’s been an eventful couple of days at Augusta National, with some surprises and disappointments. As we look ahead to the weekend, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top and take home the green jacket.
