The activity and scores at the Masters on Friday went pretty much as expected. The leader did not increase his lead and many of the to players shot well to close the gap. Virtually all players moved up the leader board including Rory McIlroy (which I did not choose) and Bryson DeChambeau. Some notably names missed the cut (Freddie Couples who I was tracking), but many players shot solid rounds and closed in on Justin Rose who is leading at minus eight. With all the activity unfolding as expected, what do we have in store for actual moving day at The 2025 Masters?

My first observation was the strategy of Justin Rose. He played it very safe which resulted in a one point lead over Bryson DeChambeau and a two stroke lead of Rory McIlroy and Corry Connors (Canadian). Rose did not hit his driver as much as day on to the surprise of myself and the announcers. He striped that big dog on day one and I figured he would continue with the same approach during the second round. I do not know why he changed his strategy, but I do not think it will work today (moving day). He will need to be a bit more aggressive off the tee if he plans to maintain or extend his lead. Additionally, his putting was not as sharp as day one and I attribute that to his change in strategy.

The round of the day goes to Rory McIlroy. Shooting a bogey free round with an eagle and four birdies, McIlroy proved that he is a contender for the green jacket. If Rory continues to play like he did on Friday, he will be tough to beat. To add to the pressure of playing well at Augusta National, Rory needs the green jacket to complete his modern day grand slam to join the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Bobby Jones would join these legends with an original grand slam. Today will set the stage for tomorrow’s Sunday afternoon play.

Bryson DeChambeau continues to perform well at the Major tournaments. As the only LIV player to make a showing on the leaderboard, his long hitting style of play seems to be well suited for Augusta National. He is a tough competitor who will not go quietly into the night. As long as his length off the tee does not get him in trouble, he should be in the mix on Sunday.

Huge shout out to Corry Connors! The lone Canadian with a chance to win (Nick Taylor also made the cut), Corry must continue his solid play. As in the past, his putting will determine which group he plays in on Sunday. He is my dark horse pick and so far he has not disappointed.

Scottie Scheffler is still in the mix. As the worlds number one ranked player, he can never be counted out. He is not as sharp as in year’s past, but Scottie’s overall game is still very strong. The injury at the beginning of the year slowed his play in 2025, but you will never hear him use that as an excuse moving forward. If Scottie makes a move on Saturday, the whole field will be put on notice.

Unfortunately, Freddie Couples missed the cut. I was hoping to see him a bit on the weekend, but alas he was sent packing. I like seeing senior golfers make a show at the Majors because it adds a bit of class and je ne sais quoi to the events. See you next Major Freddie.

After all the action from yesterday, who are the players to watch today? That is a great question. With no doubt Rory McIlroy is at the top of that list. As well as Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, and Corry Connors are obvious. However, I think Victor Hovland and Colin Morikawa will be in the last two groups on Sunday. For some reason we have not heard the last of these two young players. There are many other great golfers in the mix, but they will be grinding out subpar rounds today.

Moving day at the Masters is always great fun. I am looking forward to watching the action. I wish all the players well, but I will be paying particular attention to my countryman Corry Connors.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!