After carding a five-under, 67 in round two on Friday. Couples; at the age of 52, now finds himself sitting atop the leader board at The Masters with Jason Dufner.
Couples began his day 28 spots out of the lead, after an even par round one.
Today, the 15-time PGA Tour winner played toe-to-toe with players, literally half his age -- And got the better of them.
His day at Augusta did not get off to the best start. A bogey on the first; which many players have done this week, put him at one-over for his round, and the tournament.
Couples would bounce back one two holes later. With back-to-back birdies on No. 3 and No. 4.
A bogey on the tough par-three, sixth would see him give another stroke back to the course. Though, only for a short period.
Starting on the par-four, seventh. Couples would rack up three birdies in a row. Making the turn in 33.
Though he did cool down somewhat on his inward nine. He did not relinquish a shot back to the field. Adding two more birdies on No. 15 and No. 16. Finishing his round out at five-under, 67.
Dufner began his round after carding an opening round of three-under, 69.
The 35-year old from Cleveland, OH. began his second round with a par on the first. Which this year, may seem more like a birdie than a par.
He then carded back-to-back birdies on No. 2 and No. 3 to jump up the leader board quickly. A costly double bogey on the par-three, fourth would see those strokes go back to the course.
Another birdie on No. 6 would get Dufner back to red numbers on the day. Though making the turn, he bogeyed the par-four, 10th. Making his turn at even par.
Dufner began his back nine with three straight pars. He then got hot, with birdies on three of his next four holes.
His round ended on some what of a somber note, as he bogeyed the closing hole.
"At times I know I that I am leading or behind or whatever it might be in that situation," said the laid-back Dufner after his second round. "I'm just trying to have a nice round of golf, play well, commit to my shots and let the rest take care of itself."
Dufner has yet to win on the PGA Tour. let alone a major championship. Though many will remember last year at the PAG Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club.
He had the lead heading down the final few holes. Costly bogeys and a hard charging Keegan Bradley would ultimately catch up to him. Keeping from achieving victory.
Has Dufner learned from that experience? Can he hold it together through 18 more holes around Augusta National?
Can 'Boom Boom', at the age of 52. 20 years removed from his last victory at The Masters. Rekindle that magic, that saw him put on the green jacket in 1992?
Couples said after his round, "If I win, it will be a walk off." Stating he would only return to golf for tha anual return to The Masters.
There are now 36 holes remaining, to decide the 2012 Masters.
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