Justin Rose Leads at Masters as McIlroy Surges into Contention

The second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament saw strong performances from the field, with 53 professionals advancing after the cut was set at 2-over 146. As the competition narrows, all eyes are on the contenders vying for the Green Jacket.

Justin Rose, an Englishman with a storied history at Augusta National, holds the 36-hole lead at 8-under-par 136. This marks the third time Rose has led or co-led after two rounds at the Masters (2004, 2021), joining elite company like Raymond Floyd and Tiger Woods, who also have held double-digit leads/co-leads at this prestigious event. Rose's performance is particularly noteworthy given that he is making his 20th appearance at Augusta, where he boasts six top-10 finishes. Notably, he finished runner-up in 2015 and lost a playoff in 2017. A victory by Rose would place England alongside South Africa as the country with the second-most Masters wins behind Spain.

Bryson DeChambeau sits one stroke behind Rose at 7-under-par 137. Known for his prodigious length off the tee—averaging 331.6 yards this week—DeChambeau shares the record for the most rounds in the 60s at major championships since 2024 with Xander Schauffele. His consistency could prove pivotal over the weekend.

Tied for third at 6-under-par 138 are Rory McIlroy and Corey Conners. McIlroy rebounded from a challenging first round which included two double bogeys, recording a stellar 66. Only Craig Stadler and Gay Brewer have previously won the Masters after such setbacks. Meanwhile, Conners continues to demonstrate his affinity for major championships, especially the Masters, where he has notched three top-10 finishes in recent years.

Other notable performances include Shane Lowry, Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, and Matt McCarty, all tied for fifth at 5-under-par 139. Scheffler’s bogey-free streak ended at 24 holes, just shy of Ian Woosnam's record of 27 holes set in 1992. Hatton achieved back-to-back under-par rounds for the first time at Augusta, while McCarty overcame a disastrous start to post a commendable 68.

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the leaderboard reflects the global nature of golf, representing eight different countries among players tied ninth or better. The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 Masters Tournament.