AUGUSTA, Georgia (USA TODAY) — Jordan Spieth is draining the drama out of the Masters.
The youngster from the Lone Star State is alone at the top of the leaderboard in the first major of the season — well ahead of a chasing pack that is losing hope with each passing hole. Spieth was spot-on again in Friday's second round, following an opening 64 with a 6-under-par 66.
At 14-under 130, Spieth set the 36-hole scoring record in the Masters, breaking Raymond Floyd's previous mark of 131.
Spieth also ties the lowest total after the opening 36 holes in the history of major championships. Martin Kaymer in the 2014 U.S. Open, Brandt Snedeker in the 2012 British Open and Nick Faldo in the 2012 British Open also shot 130.
Spieth, who came into the tournament having gone 1-2-2 in his last three starts, was four shots clear of Charley Hoffman, who was through 16 holes. Hoffman gained ground with three consecutive birdies at 12, 13 and 14.
The next nearest player is four-time major champion Ernie Els sat 5 under after rounds of 67-72.
Spieth has made just one bogey in 36 holes.
In his last 11 worldwide starts, Spieth has three wins, two seconds, a third, a fourth and two ties for seventh as he's risen to a career-high No. 4 in the world rankings. Last year, in his first Masters, he led by two shots with 11 holes to play before Bubba Watson and the back-nine pressure set Spieth into a tie for second, three shots behind.
Tiger Woods, playing for the first time in nine-weeks following a self-imposed break to work on his game, was 3 under through 15 holes and 2 under for the tournament. Phil Mickelson and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy started their second round late — and 12 shots behind Spieth.
GALLERY: Friday at the Masters
