Justin Rose, bolstered by a late surge, led Masters debutant Will Zalatoris and Brian Harman by a shot after second round action at Augusta National on Friday while defending champion Dustin Johnson missed the cut by two strokes. Ehime Prefecture native Hideki Matsuyama shot a 1-under-par 71 to sit three shots off the pace.
Rose, who withdrew from his last start a month ago with back spasms and began the day four shots clear, dug deep to overcome a tepid start with three late birdies for an even-par 72 that left him at seven under on the week.
"It was a worthwhile day for me. And not having played for a month, and to suddenly find yourself in the situation I was yesterday, it's - I'm not kind of brimming with confidence right now in that sense," said Rose.