EARTH, WIND, AND TIGER

Hello friends, and good evening. Jim Nantz joining you from the woods just beyond Amen Corner where we are closing out a hard-fought Friday at Augusta National.

I'm joined by my good friend and colleague, Mr. John Daly, who has reportedly agreed to settle his suit against Augusta National Inc. out of court.

John, we missed you yesterday, but we're thrilled to have you back on the course for today's 2nd round. Tell us about this legal dispute over the gnomes. I have to admit, they do share a striking resemblance with you, sir.

Jimmy, it's damn good to be here with you, brother. Look, like you said, it's pretty damn obvious these little grass goblins were designed with my looks in mind. I'm fine with that, as long as credit is given where it's due. The fella's even wearin' a pair of plaid Loud Mouth Golf pants, for cryin' out loud.

You were hoping the Masters merchandising team would include a cigarette and some of your Good Boy brand adult beverages in the gnome's ensemble. I understand you've come to an agreement of some kind with the folks at Augusta National – Was that part of the terms?

I had to sign an NDA, Jimbo, so I'm not at liberty to share all the deets. What I can tell you is that next year's turf troll will be the coolest one yet with real chugging action and a special prize included.

That's outstanding. You've always had a knack for turning lemons into lemonade... and then mixing in tea and vodka.

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Well, JD, let's talk golf.

Today was not for the faint of heart, as golfers dealt with what bordered on hurricane-force winds from start to finish. Players and patrons alike fought gusts that exceeded 40 mph, thrashing trees and azalea blossoms all over the course.

Hats and folding chairs could be seen tumbling across fairways throughout the day, and sand whipped out of bunkers, stinging players like swarms of yellow jackets.

One familiar face in attendance, Univ. of South Carolina football coach, Shane Beamer, was asked to vacate the premises after... bearing his chest amidst the chaos? Did you see this, John?

Yeah, as soon as ole Shane heard there was a sandstorm on #18, he ran out there and ripped his shirt off and started slingin' it around above his head like a helicopter. He clearly didn't remember which Richland County he was in.

I felt bad for the guy. They poured out his Moscato spritzer as they hauled him off.

Oooh. Tough loss. But, I guess if anyone can handle losing, it's that guy.

Speaking of losers, it's Friday, and that means it's time for the cut. The only thing blowing harder than the wind today was Viktor Hovland's golf game. The Norwegian was 7-over thru 5 holes, finishing with a 9-over-par 81 for the day.

Many fans hoped this week would be a turning point for Hovland and that he'd be in the hunt to earn his first major victory. A triple bogey on the 2nd took all the wind out of his sails as he carded his worst finish at Augusta and his first missed cut.

A laundry list of other big names will join Viktor in watching from the sofa tomorrow including Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose.

Avoiding the cut and providing one of the day's biggest highlights was Mr. Tiger Woods, who set a new Masters record at 24 consecutive cuts made. Tiger completed 23 holes today to head into the weekend at 1-over.

As he left the press building, Woods was seen swiping through profiles on the Tinder app on his phone.

Bryson DeChambeau delivered another entertaining performance and maintained a share of the lead, while Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa battled to join him atop the leaderboard. In the morning, we'll take a look at the golfers who managed to make the most of this gusty day and climb the standings as we head into Saturday's third round.