Rose has put together a stellar career, in which he has secured 25 professional wins, topped the world rankings and spearheaded Ryder Cup success – but fallen agonisingly short at Augusta on several occasions.
Without a tournament victory since February 2023, and a catalogue of missed cuts since, few would have backed Rose to be in such a strong position at the halfway stage.
Finding consistency throughout recent seasons has been difficult.
But, as he did when coming through qualifying to finish second at last year’s Open Championship, Rose has demonstrated again at Augusta National that he retains the hunger and heart to challenge for the biggest prizes.
It is a testament to his quality, experience and nous around one of golf’s most testing courses that he goes into the weekend with a fighting chance of victory.
“I think my good is good. I feel like I’m showing much more quality this year in my game than I have done the past couple years,” said Rose.
Rose was the overnight leader after a majestic opening 65 where he threatened to challenge the course record of 63.
Failing to back up strong starts at the iconic venue has been a common theme for the former world number one, however.
Rose’s putter was red hot on the opening day, leading the strokes gained on the green by a substantial margin, and enabling him to open up a three-shot lead.
From tee to green he was always not as precise, however, and that continued on Friday as his short game helped keep him ahead of the chasing pack.
Rose secured birdies on the second, eighth, 12th and 16th holes, with his wedge coming to his rescue on the par-three fourth – after he skied his tee shot and fell 55 yards short of the green.
“It was a decent day. My wedge kept me in a good spot,” he added.
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