AUGUSTA, Ga. — As the 2025 Masters unfolds, the drama intensifies with a mix of familiar faces and unexpected outcomes. Of the 95 golfers in this year's prestigious field, 12 were members of LIV Golf, but only seven remain after the cut was made. Bryson DeChambeau has emerged as a frontrunner, currently sitting in second place at 7-under, just one stroke behind the leader, Justin Rose, who is at 8-under. Alongside DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton is tied for fifth at 5-under, showcasing the competitive spirit of LIV golfers on one of golf's grandest stages.
The cut line was set at 2-over, which saw several notable players, including Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, fall short of advancing to the weekend. Johnson, a former Masters champion, struggled in his second round, finishing with a score of 73, leaving him at 3-over for the tournament. His performance was marred by a bogey and a double bogey on the final two holes, a disappointing end to what had begun as a promising day.
“I’m playing better than I scored for sure,” Johnson said after his round. “Golf is a funny game. You play the same round and shoot 4- or 5-under, or as I did today, shoot 1-over.” Despite his struggles, Johnson remains optimistic about his game, looking ahead to the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open later this year.
Jon Rahm, the reigning champion who won his first green jacket in 2023, also faced challenges early in the tournament. After shooting a 3-over in his opening round, he bounced back with a 1-under 71 on Friday, bringing him to 2-over for the tournament and securing his place for the weekend.
“I grinded and got a lot of good up-and-downs to be able to break par and hopefully make the cut,” Rahm reflected on his performance. “But there were quite a few iron swings that I thought were good that just didn’t end up on the green or close enough for it to be a birdie chance.” Rahm's resilience has kept him in contention, proving that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, the Masters has seen its share of heartbreak as five LIV golfers missed the cut, including the legendary Phil Mickelson, who failed to advance for the first time since 2016. Mickelson's absence from the weekend play is significant, as he has made the cut in 28 of his 32 career starts at the Masters, a record that ranks fourth in tournament history.
“It’s a pretty tough finish,” Johnson noted about Augusta National's challenging layout. “If you drive it in the fairway, it’s not tough. You miss the fairway, it’s difficult.” This sentiment was echoed by Brooks Koepka, who also missed the cut after a disastrous finish that saw him go 8-over on the final two holes.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to the remaining LIV golfers who have made the cut. The seven players still vying for the coveted green jacket include:
- Bryson DeChambeau (-7)
- Tyrrell Hatton (-5)
- Patrick Reed (-3)
- Bubba Watson (-1)
- Joaquin Niemann (+2)
- Charl Schwartzel (+2)
- Jon Rahm (+2)
With the third round set to kick off on Saturday, April 12, 2025, anticipation builds around CBS's live coverage, which starts at 2 p.m. Eastern. The Masters can also be streamed via Masters.com and the Masters App, allowing fans to follow their favorite players closely.
This year's tournament has already showcased the highs and lows of professional golf, with unexpected twists and turns. As the weekend approaches, the pressure mounts for those still in contention, and the excitement surrounding the Masters continues to grow. The Green Jacket ceremony awaits the victor, but for now, all eyes are on the remaining golfers as they navigate the challenges of Augusta National.
In conclusion, the 2025 Masters is shaping up to be a memorable event, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars from LIV Golf competing fiercely. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling golf and perhaps even some surprises as the players aim for one of the sport's most prestigious titles.
