BELGIUM’S THOMAS PIETERS and American Rickie Fowler grabbed a share of the lead with Spain’s Sergio Garcia and American Charley Hoffman late in Friday’s second round of the Masters.
In windy conditions at Augusta National, Fowler fired the day’s low round with a five-under 67 while Masters debutante Pieters shot 68 to join Hoffman and Garcia on four-under par 140 through 36 holes.
Pieters, trying to become the first newcomer since 1979 to win the Masters, opened with his lone bogey, then fired three birdies and an eagle at the par-5 13th to make his charge.
Fowler, seeking a first major crown like all his fellow co-leaders, birdied the par-5 second and par-4 third, added more at the par-5 eighth and 13th hole but took his lone bogey at the par-5 15th before answering with a birdie at the par-3 16th and two closing pars.
American William McGirt was fifth on 142 with England’s Justin Rose also on two-under with two holes remaining.
Spain’s Jon Rahm, like Pieters a Masters newcomer, shared seventh on 143 with Americans Ryan Moore and 57-year-old American Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters winner who could become the oldest major champion in history.
Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, 46, bogeyed at 16 and 17 to finish on one-over par for the round and evens overall.
Australia’s Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, is alongside Mickelson after an excellent round of 69 on Friday.
World number two Rory McIlroy, trying to complete a career grand slam by winning the green jacket, fired a 73 to stand on 145.
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