Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters As Tiger Woods Makes Cut

Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters As Tiger Woods Makes Cut...

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler holds a two-stroke lead at the 2026 Masters Tournament after Friday's second round at Augusta National. The 29-year-old Texan carded a 5-under 67 to reach 10-under overall, while Tiger Woods electrified fans by making his record 24th consecutive Masters cut despite physical struggles.

The tournament is trending nationwide as golf fans track both Scheffler's dominant performance and Woods' historic resilience. ESPN reported a 38% surge in streaming viewership during Woods' afternoon round, with social media buzzing about his gritty 72 despite visible discomfort from lingering injuries.

Scheffler, seeking his second green jacket after winning in 2024, credited his putting improvement for Friday's surge. "The work I've done with my coach on reading these greens is paying off," he told reporters. His nearest competitors are Hideki Matsuyama (8-under) and rising star Michael Thorbjornsen (7-under).

Woods sits at even par after two rounds, tied for 32nd but drawing the weekend's largest galleries. The 50-year-old legend needed treatment from his physiotherapist between shots but still produced several vintage moments, including a 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th.

Augusta National's chairman confirmed record merchandise sales through Friday, with patrons particularly snapping up commemorative items marking Woods' 30th Masters appearance. Tournament officials expect weekend attendance to exceed 50,000 daily as warmer weather arrives in Georgia.

Saturday's third round begins at 10:15 AM ET, with Scheffler and Matsuyama paired in the final group at 2:45 PM. CBS Sports will broadcast coverage starting at 3 PM, while featured groups including Woods will stream earlier on Masters.com and ESPN+.