Louis Oosthuizen’s eagle on the 15th hole moved him to the top of the leaderboard, where he has company from Kevin Stadler, Jones Blixt and Bill Haas.
Here’s what else you need to know about today’s action:
1. There Are a Ton of Players Under Par
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At the beginning of play Friday there were 20 players under par. Haas is pictured above, teeing off on the 18th hole Thursday. He tees off at 1:15 p.m. eastern time today.
The shot of the day so far came from Oosthuizen:
2. Rory McIllroy Is in the Hunt
Rory McIlroy, whose tennis-playing fiancee, Caroline Wozniaki, caddied for him during the tournament’s Par 3 contest (pictured above and below, in a tweet from Wozniacki), shot a 1-under 71 on Thursday. He tees off at 1:59 p.m. eastern time, trailing Leishman by four strokes.
Had a great time caddying for @McIlroyRory today at the par 3. Can't believe I held that putt! #30/40footer #augusta pic.twitter.com/leDPYTpzMd
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) April 9, 2014
McIllroy has won two majors, but has never finished better than tied for 11th at Augusta.
3. Phil Mickelson Isn’t
Phil, the highest profile player in the tournament in Tiger Woods’ absence, shot a 4-over 76 on Thursday. He began the day in an eight-way tie for 63rd place.
The slow start is atypical for Phil, who has played some of the best golf of his career at Augusta.
As you gear up for the 2nd rd, take a deeper look at Lefty's historic career @ the #Masters w/ some #KPMGStats data: pic.twitter.com/8nbwzon1ha
— KPMG Mickelson (@MickelsonHat) April 11, 2014
4. The Projected Cut is +5
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If the tournament right now, Phil would be safe, but former champ Angel Cabrera (+6, pictured above Thursday) , Zach Johnson (+6) and Trevor Immelman (+7) would be packing their bags.
5. Tiger Woods Is Recovering From Back Surgery
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Tiger isn’t in the field for the first time in 20 years because he’s recovering from back surgery. His absence could have an impact on everything from TV ratings to exposure from brands such as Nike that are endorsed by Tiger.