Scottie Scheffler stays in Masters hunt despite tough conditions

Defending champion Scheffler three shots behind leader after challenging second round at Augusta.

Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Photo by Ben Jared/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

World number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler stays in Masters hunt after a gritty performance in Friday’s second round at Augusta National, where swirling winds and lightning-fast greens tested even the best. Scheffler carded a one-under 71 to stay just three strokes behind the leader, Justin Rose, heading into the weekend.

While the winds certainly played a role in the afternoon challenges, Scheffler admitted that his performance on the back nine could have been sharper. He made five bogeys overall but balanced them out with six birdies, showing flashes of brilliance as well as moments of frustration.

“It contributed a little bit,” Scheffler said when asked about the wind. “I definitely could have been a bit sharper on the back nine. Just a few too many mistakes.”

Despite that, his round included one of the day’s most fortuitous and thrilling moments: a chip-in birdie at the famous par-three 12th hole.

A touch of luck and a lot of grit

Augusta National is known for its demanding layout, but Friday’s gusty conditions took the difficulty to another level. Scheffler’s biggest stroke of good fortune came on the 12th, where his tee shot flew over the green and disappeared into the azaleas—only to roll down a slope and into a playable area. From there, he calmly chipped in for birdie.

“I was fortunate to see the ball come out of the bushes there and was able to take advantage of the break,” he said with a smile.

It was the kind of moment that turns momentum and keeps a player in contention at a major. Scheffler followed that with a solid up-and-down on 13 and a birdie on 14, showing the resilience of a past champion who knows what it takes to navigate Augusta.

Even though Scottie Scheffler stays in Masters hunt, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He made four bogeys on the back nine alone, and by his own admission, struggled to control his game off the tee.

“I had a couple of three-putts. I didn’t hit as many fairways. I got myself in trouble off the tee on 18,” Scheffler noted. “It’s extremely challenging when you get greens this fast and that much wind, especially when it’s gusty.”

Still, he did just enough to remain firmly in the mix. With 36 holes to play, a three-shot gap is hardly insurmountable—especially for a player of Scheffler’s caliber.

Scheffler is chasing history this week. Only three men—Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods—have ever won back-to-back Masters titles. With his win in 2022 and his dominant 2024 season behind him, Scheffler is hoping to add his name to that elite list.

Last season, Scheffler captured nine titles across the globe, including a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, solidifying his status as the game's top player. But 2025 has been a slower start. A hand injury suffered during a freak Christmas Day cooking accident kept him off the course for several weeks, delaying his preparation and throwing off his usual rhythm.

So far, he hasn’t secured a win this season—but his performance at Augusta shows that he's getting close.

Scheffler's calm demeanor is one of his greatest assets. Even when his round took a few bumps, he remained level-headed, never letting one mistake lead to another.

“Overall I felt like I did some good things out there to stay in the tournament,” he said. “I took advantage of my opportunities, and hopefully I’ll clean up the card a little bit tomorrow.”

That mindset will be key as he approaches the critical third round—often referred to as “moving day” in major championship golf. Scheffler knows he needs to tidy up the mistakes, especially on the greens, where several three-putts cost him momentum.

Augusta demands everything

Augusta National doesn’t forgive lapses in concentration. For Scheffler to pull off the comeback and retain the green jacket, he'll need to lean on every bit of experience, talent, and mental fortitude he has.

There’s no question he has the game. Few players in the world can match his consistency from tee to green, and his ability to recover from poor positions is elite. But the weekend will require more than that—it’ll demand patience, precision, and maybe another lucky bounce or two.

With 36 holes to go, Scottie Scheffler stays in Masters hunt, and that’s exactly where he wants to be. Trailing by just three shots, he’s within striking distance and knows how quickly things can change on Augusta’s back nine.

The conditions are expected to remain difficult, with more wind and firm greens forecast for the weekend. That could play into Scheffler’s hands. His steady approach, combined with his recent Masters experience, could give him an edge if others falter.

If he can eliminate some of Friday’s mistakes and capitalize on more scoring chances, there’s no reason why Scheffler can’t make a serious charge toward history.

In a Masters filled with unpredictability, Scottie Scheffler stays in Masters hunt thanks to a round that blended luck, skill, and perseverance. His second-round 71 wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. Enough to keep him in touch. Enough to keep the pressure on the leaders. And enough to remind the golf world that he remains a serious threat.

The weekend awaits, and so does the opportunity for Scheffler to etch his name into Augusta lore once again. If the wind blows and the nerves fray, don’t be surprised to see the steady Texan rise to the occasion.

Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that champions find a way to stay in the fight—and Scottie Scheffler is very much still in this one.