Jordan Spieth has carded the lowest halfway total in Masters history, breaking a record that’s existed since 1976, to take a massive step closer to a first major title at Augusta National.
The 21-year-old added a second round of 66 to his opening 64 to post a total of 130, one shot better than the previous best set by Ray Floyd.
That equalled the 36-hole record in any major shared by Nick Faldo, Brandt Snedeker and Martin Kaymer, and at 14 under is the lowest 36-hole score in relation to par.
Faldo was 12 under on his way to winning the 1992 Open at Muirfield, with Snedeker and Kaymer 10 under at the 2012 Open and 2014 US Open respectively.
Spieth was runner-up here last year and came into the week having finished first, second, and second in his last three events.
“I have been on my game and coming to a place that I love,” Spieth said. “It’s special to be here and just be in the tournament let alone out front.
“I just need to keep my head down, set a goal for myself. It’s definitely going to be more challenging and I am going to have to be aware of that and be okay with a bogey or two.”
At 14 under par Spieth was four ahead of fellow American Charley Hoffman, who had two holes to play, with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods reduced to the status of also-rans.
And he seems to be impressing everyone with the way he’s handling the pressure and success so far.
Why I love Jordan Spieth (21): no arrogance, no quoting 'philosophers', no selfies at the gym, no silly logo – just graft, graft, graft.
— Michael McEwan (@MMcEwanBunkered) April 10, 2015
Huge @JordanSpieth fan. Cheering for him like crazy to win #TheMasters — great kid. Humble, honest and amazing talent. Need more like him.
— Alex Lawrence (@_AlexLawrence) April 10, 2015
Jordan Spieth is unreal and one of the most classiest players. much respect.
— Joshua Descisciolo (@pray4jdeezy) April 10, 2015
Wonder it Spieth will walk across the water at 16?
— Kevin Garside (@GARSIDEK) April 10, 2015
Meanwhile Tiger Woods was three under for his round and two under overall in just his third start of the year, the 14-time major winner having recorded a career-worst 82 in the first and withdrawing through injury after 11 holes of the second.
World number one Rory McIlroy was bidding to become the sixth player to complete the career grand slam, but found himself 12 off the pace as he set off and started his second round with a bogey on the first and birdie on the second.
Source: SNAPPA
