1. Back, don't fail me now. Fred Couples is a former Masters champion (1992), and if not for a history of back issues, there is reason to think he would have more than one green jacket in his closet. Couples' 1-under 71 on Friday left him 5 under for the tournament, just one shot off the lead behind Jason Day. But don't assume anything for the weekend. Couples has a tendency to start strong in the early rounds at the Masters, but then sometimes struggles over the weekend as his back stiffens. Still, his consistency at the Masters at the age of 53 is fun to watch.
2. It's Tiger time (or is it?). After starting the day at 2 under, Woods had three birdies on the front nine (Nos. 5, 7 and 8) and was tied for the lead at 5 under when he made the turn. He seemed destined to take over the tournament. Then, something bizarre happened. Woods' third shot on No. 15 hit the stick, but instead of dropping down for an eagle (or close for an easy birdie), his ball bounced off the stick and rolled into the lake, leading to a bogey-6. Woods then three-putted No. 18 for the first time his Masters history and finished at only 1 under for the day and 3 under for the tournament. If Woods can get through the weekend without anything strange happening, he has a chance.
3. Oh, Sergio (don't say you weren't warned). First-round co-leader Sergio Garcia didn't seem overly confident following Thursday's 66, which left him with a share of the lead. It's that attitude that has led many to doubt him in big moments in tournaments. So the second round pretty much followed form. After a bogey-less first round, Garcia bogeyed four holes (with no birdies) in Round 2 for a 4-over day, leaving him at 2 under for the tournament, just off the leader board. He putted well, but said the wind played havoc with several tee shots. Just a guess here: He has seen the leaderboard for the last time this week.
