Scottie, Wyndham, and Other Big Surprises Through 36 Holes at Augusta

The first two days of the 90th Masters are in the books. Don't cry because they're gone, smile because they happened. Also: smile because defending champion Rory McIlroy is 12 under and in front by six—the largest 36-hole lead at the Masters...ever.

Surprising? To some, maybe—but not me (certified ball-knower).

Although there's plenty of golf left—and it's impossible to know what will happen at Augusta National over the weekend—there have already been plenty of surprises. I think we have to start with the World No. 1.

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Biggest Surprises at the Masters

Scottie Scheffler (Even)

I know he and Meredith just welcomed their second child, and I get that he hasn’t played since THE PLAYERS, but it’s still Scheffler at Augusta National. He played a great round of golf on Thursday, shooting 2 under in tough, firm conditions. On Friday, though, he struggled in a morning wave that saw some nice scores—Tyrrell Hatton shot 66. He's off to a way slower star than we've come to expect, but who knows? Maybe he’ll still win.

Wyndham Clark (4 under)

Clark entered the year’s first major championship on the heels of two straight missed cuts. In his five starts previous to that, his best finish was a tie for 35th at the WM Phoenix Open to begin February. Plus, in two career starts at Augusta National, he missed the cut in 2024 and tied for 46th a year ago.

If you saw 72-68 coming from Clark this week, do yourself a favor and buy a lottery ticket.

Kristoffer Reitan (4 under)

Reitan played in the U.S. Open eight years ago and missed the cut. At last year’s Open, he tied for 30th. That’s it. That’s his history at major championships, and through 36 holes, the 28-year-old from Norway is 4 under and inside the top 10. That said, he is the 46th-ranked player in the world and just tied for 10th at the Valero, so maybe it’s just a surprise to me? (I doubt it.)

Robert MacIntyre…What's Up, Man?

I’m sure it was just a couple tough days for Bob, but he didn’t handle the adversity very well. He was slamming clubs, flipping off the golf course, and even posted the below photo to his Instagram story after missing the cut.

Fine (and maybe funny) at other tournaments, but not at Augusta.

No more water, please!

On Thursday, I started to realize (like many others) that we were in for a special week. Augusta National’s greens were already firm, fast, and fiery. Single digits looked like it could win the tournament. But then they watered the course! I’m sure they have to put a little water down to avoid burning the place out, but this looks like a lot?

Over the weekend, no more water!

One last note: Notice how I didn't include Bryson DeChambeau missing the cut? Some of us weren't surprised.