April 11-14
Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia
$11,000,000
Live leaderboard
Round 1, Round 3, Round 4

Francesco Molinari and Louis Oosthuizen are part of a five-man group of Major Champions sharing the lead heading into the weekend at the Masters Tournament.

“Really happy the way I played and the way we managed the strategy with my caddie," said Molinari. "But, obviously still a long, long way to go, so let's see what we'll be able to do on the weekend."

Reigning Open Champion Molinari became the first Italian to lead after any round at Augusta National Golf Club, setting the target at seven under par with his round of 67 early in the day, and 2010 Claret Jug winner Oosthuizen went one better to join him at the summit.

“I feel a massive difference when I'm on the greens or around the greens compared to my previous times here. It's still pretty uncomfortable when you're standing over some putts or some chips because the margins are so small that you can be as good as you want, but you still know there's not a lot of room to miss.

“But definitely it's been a part of my game that has improved a lot in the last 12 months, and this is a course that puts a lot of stress on the short game and the putting in general. I'm happy that so far I've done better than in the past, and hopefully I can keep doing the same.”

Also in the illustrious group at the top of the leaderboard are 2015 US PGA Champion Jason Day, 2013 Green Jacket winner Adam Scott and reigning U.S. Open and US PGA Champion Brooks Koepka, making it a record breaking five-way tie after 36 holes.

Molinari has grown accustomed to making history over the past year, becoming the first Italian Major Champion at Carnoustie Golf Links last summer and the first European to win five points out of five at The Ryder Cup, as well as claiming his first Rolex Series victory at the BMW PGA Championship on the way to winning the Race to Dubai, and taking his first two titles on American soil on the US PGA Tour.

Justin Harding continued his dream Masters debut, with the South African sitting one shot back on six under par, alongside three Americans in Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods, who generated huge excitement among the Augusta crowd with his round of 68.

“I've played nicely, I really have," said Harding. "Yesterday I thought I had a better control of my golf game. I thought today I was a bit loose, especially with the driver. Normally I'm better than that, I don't hit as many left as I did today. But it was again a matter of trying to put it back in the right place and giving yourself a good up‑and‑down chance. 

“It still gives me the giggles just being here. I'm trying to enjoy it the best I can. I obviously want to be able to execute my shots, regardless. But I've got a couple of friends out here, family is out watching, as well. We're just having a nice time and enjoying the birdies. Hope for sunshine and a good weekend.”

England's Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm of Spain are in a share of tenth place at five under par.

“I was pressing on the odd occasion, missed a couple of greens, got myself a little out of position on a couple of tee shots and missed a couple of greens. But I haven't done a lot wrong," said Poulter.

“I feel comfortable, I feel I'm hitting it well, I like the golf course, I know a lot about the course for certain pins. I'm just trying to be smart and not take myself out of the tournament, which I've done in the past.”