Masters 2022: Here are 5 things to know heading into the weekend, starting with Tiger Woods’ slow ride

AUGUSTA, Ga. — If Thursday at the Masters was like Christmas morning, with golf fans frenetically ripping the bow and wrapping paper off a Tiger Woods return, Friday was a day to exhale and catch a nap on the couch. The conditions at Augusta National got a bit trickier and the 2022 Masters became more of a battle than a sprint.

Well, perhaps for everyone who isn’t named Scottie Scheffler. While others tried to simply stay in motion, Scheffler just kept running and running, becoming the golf equivalent of Forrest Gump. His five-stroke lead is one few saw coming, even considering his recent hot streak.

With two days in the books and two days still ahead of us, here’s a look at some of the top storylines you need to know:

Take it slow, Tiger (and stick around for the weekend)

Tiger Woods stands on the no. 13 green during the second round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports

When Louis Oosthuizen withdrew from the tournament, Tiger Woods and playing partner Joaquin Niemann were forced to take a little extra time on each hole, often waiting while others in front of them labored. While that could have thrown Woods off, the additional rest seemed to help him as the day wore on. And after looking like he might collapse early, he steadied the ship, using a stretch of 2 under on the day’s final six holes to finish at 74 — and the five-time champ now stands at 1 over for the tournament.

“I don’t feel as good as I’d like to feel,” he said afterward. “But that’s OK.”

What’s next? It’s tough to predict. Of course, a year ago any thought that he’d be in this field would have been considered lunacy. So we’ll skip the predictions and simply enjoy the slow ride alongside Tiger.

Winners tend to play well here

Charl Schwartzel reacts to his shot on the fourth hole during the second round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The leaderboard was dotted with former Masters champions on Friday as Charl Schwartzel, Dustin Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama, and Danny Willett all spent time on the first page throughout the day.

Schwartzel got pumped up for the 2022 event with a film session, watching clips of himself winning the green jacket 11 years ago.

He finished the day with a 69 to move to 3 under and said he’s been close.

“I haven’t felt like I’ve played as badly as my results, though,” Schwartzel said. “I tried to tighten the swing up a little bit. Get the hands a little more passive. Hands were a little too active. I must be honest. These two rounds are one of the two best ball-striking rounds I’ve had in a very long time.”

Augusta National got feisty — and will get feistier

Cameron Smith’s caddie Sam Pinfold searches for his ball on no. 13 during the second round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports

After Tuesday and Wednesday brought rain, the course was accessible on Thursday. But with stiff breezes and chilly conditions, Augusta National showed her teeth on Friday, and the field scoring average was above 74.

Will Saturday get easier? Hardly. In fact, the high is not expected to reach the 60s for the third round, and with steady winds in the 15 mph range and gusts reaching 30 mph, expect announcers to often summon three words – wind chill factor.

Our Steve DiMeglio dives deeper into the weekend forecast in this piece.

Bubba Watson went back in time

Bubba Watson hits his second shot on no. 2 during the second round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports

Remember back in 2012, when Bubba Watson knocked one in the trees on No. 10, but then pulled off what was one of the tournament’s great shots, using a wedge to weave one around the forest and break Louis Oosthuizen’s heart in a playoff?

On Friday, his approach shot on 18 might have been better. Seriously.

Oh, did we mention the No. 1 player is still on fire?

Scottie Scheffler talks with his caddie Ted Scott after finishing on no. 18 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports

Just 55 days ago, Scottie Scheffler had yet to win a PGA Tour event. Then he won the Phoenix Open. Then he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Then he won the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

And yet, despite leapfrogging the competition and completing an improbable if not dramatic rise to the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, Scheffler came to Augusta still flying a bit under the radar.

Somebody better alert the FAA — Scheffler has reached cruising altitude. He caught a little break in getting a late tee time, but the former Texas Longhorn made few mistakes en route to taking a commanding lead.

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