AUGUSTA, Ga. – Justin Rose was happy enough to still have the lead Friday at the Masters, even if only by a fraction on a day when Augusta National was more forgiving and he had to rally just to shoot par.
The two players right behind had reason to be thrilled just to be at the Masters. One of them was Brian Harman, barely inside the top 100 in the world a month ago until two good weeks changed his fortunes.
The other was 24-year-old Will Zalatoris, who just over a year ago was toiling in the minor leagues and still doesn't have a full PGA Tour card. “I wanted to be here my entire life,” Zalatoris said after birdies on his last three holes for a 4-under 68. “Some people shy away from that, but I'm excited to be here.