Tension Builds as Justin Rose Leads 2025 Masters Heading into Moving Day

AUGUSTA, Ga. — As the sun rises over Augusta National Golf Club, the 89th Masters Tournament is set for an exhilarating Moving Day after an electrifying second round that saw several top players jockeying for position. Justin Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open champion, heads into Saturday with a one-shot lead, having posted a solid 1-under 71 on Friday, bringing his total to 8 under par.

With 16 players within striking distance, including Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, the stage is set for a thrilling day of golf. “It’s about just playing great golf,” Rose said. “And I think the leaderboard is stacking up very favorably for what looks like world-class players right up there. So you’re going to have to play great golf, and you’re going to have to go out there and want it and go for it. It’s as simple as that, really.”

DeChambeau, who is tied with Rose at 8 under, expressed excitement for the weekend ahead, saying, “I’m going to keep it simple. I’m excited. Very excited for the weekend. This is what golf is about.” Meanwhile, McIlroy, who sits two shots back at 6 under, emphasized the difficulty of the course, stating, “We’ve got 36 holes to go on a very, very tough golf course. Anything can happen.”

Players face both tough competition and the unpredictability of Augusta’s famed layout. “It’s going to be a real test,” reigning champion Scottie Scheffler, currently 5 under, said. “We’ve got a great golf course, conditions should be really good, challenging, and we’ve got some great guys on top of the leaderboard, so it should be a fun weekend.”

As players lineup for their much-anticipated third round, the weather is expected to remain pleasant, a stark contrast to the rainy conditions that influenced the earlier rounds. “This place is so good at getting the golf course in the condition or setting it up properly,” noted a competitor, highlighting Augusta’s ability to showcase the best in golf. “But I feel like with how the weather looks this weekend, it’s going to be very challenging.”

With so much on the line, fans and players alike are bracing for an emotional, competitive stretch at one of golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournaments. With low scores having been achieved and the leaderboard packed, all eyes will be on who can take control as they battle it out for the coveted green jacket.