AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 06: A detail of a patron’s binoculars on the 13th hole during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The 2023 Masters has already defied expectations, so trying to pinpoint what might happen at Augusta National on Friday's Day 2 is likely just a fools errand. But here we go.
First, let's catch up. Yesterday was a wild, high-scoring first round, with 36 golfers shooting red numbers. And the top of the leaderboard reads much like the top of the world golf rankings right now.
Brooks Koepka, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm lead us into the day with two-stroke leads, at 7-under 65.
But what about Friday? What do we anticipate today? Here's 10 things we expect today.
- Earlier tee times. We told you yesterday, the rounds will start 30 minutes earlier today, with the first golfers going out at 8 a.m.
- And that's because we expect things to get wet today. Starting at around 1 p.m., we should see thunderstorms, and that's expected for HOURS. The morning round guys are at a massive advantage today.
- Koepka (8:18 a.m.), Jason Day (9:06 a.m.), Gary Woodland (8:18 a.m.) are the three earliest to go out near the top of the leaderboard. The numbers they put up will likely be the high mark target for the day.
- Viktor Hovland (12:54 p.m.), Jon Rahm (1:18 p.m.), and Cameron Young (1:18 p.m.) are likely at the biggest disadvantage.
- Tiger Woods isn't much in contention, as he sits 2-over after the high-scoring first round. And he won't tee off until 12:54 p.m.
- Pin placements are set for some tricky play, particularly given the weather conditions.
- IF we can get the second round completed, we're looking at the top 50 and ties for the cut line. Right now, that line would be at 1-over. It's not likely to stay there.
- Amateur Sam Bennett is the real deal, so watch out for him today. He is 4-under after a remarkable, clean first round. He goes out at 10 a.m. today, so hopefully he can get most of his round in before the weather gets bad.
- TV coverage hasn't officially changed, so you can watch every shot from Masters.com starting at 8 a.m.
- Expect the unexpected today, and be extremely flexible. Lightning is going to be the other enemy today, as it will cause more delays than the rain itself would.
Enjoy Day 2 of the Masters. It's going to make for an interesting weekend.
21 of the Best Images from Day 1 of the 2023 Masters
Round 1 of the 2023 Masters is complete, and the images coming out of Augusta National are terrific.
High temperatures were the only weather issue on course Thursday, which is not going to be the case the rest of the way, as officials have already announced Friday tee times will be moved up 30 minutes to hopefully avoid worsening conditions later in the day.
Here's a look at some of the top storylines from Day 1 at the Masters:
The Masters - Round One
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The Masters - Preview Day 2
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The Masters - Round One
