Spieth in control at halfway stage in Augusta
The 21-year-old takes a five-shot lead after a six-under 66; Woods and McIlroy in 19th.
Jordan Spieth threatened to turn the year’s first major into a runaway as he fired a six-under-par 66 for a five-shot lead and a Masters record for lowest 36-hole total at Augusta National.
Playing with a steely focus and pinpoint precision, the 21-year-old Spieth reached the halfway mark on 14-under-par 130 to surpass the 131 posted by Raymond Floyd on his way to winning the 1976 Masters.
Keep reading
list of 4 itemsRory McIlroy would consider playing LIV if it turns into ‘IPL of golf’
Jon Rahm jumps ship to LIV Golf in a stunning blow to the PGA Tour
‘We’re going to be unpopular’: Do sports protests help or harm activism?
Spieth, with 15 birdies and one bogey in his two rounds, also equalled the lowest 36-hole total for any major championship.
Spieth led by five over compatriot Charley Hoffman, who registered five birdies but bogeyed the last for a 68 and nine-under 135 on a hot, humid day amid the Georgia pines.
“It’s cool. Any time you can set a record here is pretty awesome,” said Spieth. “I’m very excited about today and the way I struck the ball.”
Dustin Johnson set another Masters mark as he flew up the leaderboard with a record three eagles on the par-fives to record a 67 for seven-under 137.
Former U.S. Open winner Justin Rose (70) and fellow Englishman Paul Casey (68) were also on 137.
Tiger’s resurgence
Tiger Woods climbed up the leaderboard as the four-time champion shot a 69 to stand two-under and tied for 19th. He had shared 41st place after an opening 73 in his return to competition following a two-month absence.
World number one Rory McIlroy, who needs a Masters victory to complete a career grand slam, looked as though he might miss the cut when he went out in four-over 40 to stand three-over.
But the 25-year-old Northern Irishman posted 31 on the back nine for 71 to join Woods on 142.