In a stunning display of his enduring popularity, Tiger Woods has once again delivered impressive ratings for the Masters Tournament, this time on ESPN. The tournament's Thursday broadcast garnered huge viewership, solidifying Woods' reputation as a major draw for golf fans. This news comes at a crucial moment for the sport, as it looks to engage a wider audience.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, once considered a strong contender, faced a challenging day on the course. McIlroy's performance included three bogeys and a double, pushing him perilously close to the projected cutline with a score of 4-over. The pressure is mounting for the talented golfer as he aims to remain in the tournament.

The leaderboard saw a shift as Scottie Scheffler found the water at the 13th hole, opening up opportunities for others. With this stumble, Scheffler now shares the lead with Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa, all sitting at 6-under. The intense competition among these three players promises an exciting weekend ahead.

Despite facing a challenging start, Tiger Woods has demonstrated his resilience and remains within striking distance of the leaders with 36 holes still to go. Woods' strong presence on the leaderboard adds further anticipation to the tournament, fueling speculation about his chances of making a remarkable comeback at Augusta.

One of the notable moments of the day involved Bryson DeChambeau, who closed out his Friday round with a bogey, finishing at 1-over for the day. However, this setback did not diminish his overall performance, as he remains just one shot behind Scottie Scheffler.

Friday unfolded as a peculiar day at Augusta National, with various noteworthy incidents captured by spectators. From Zach Johnson's eruption to Bryson DeChambeau's sign issue, the day brought unexpected twists and turns, keeping the atmosphere filled with intrigue.

Weather conditions also added an element of challenge to the golfers' strategies, with winds picking up to over 20 mph at Augusta. Gary Woodland experienced firsthand the impact of the gusts, as his ball was blown and rolled down the green. The ever-changing wind dynamics will require players to adjust their games accordingly.

Fans and enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the pairing for Saturday's matches. If it's not the much-anticipated Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods grouping, exciting alternatives such as Rory McIlroy or Justin Thomas promise a memorable showdown on the course.

Collin Morikawa, despite a valiant effort, still finds himself trailing Bryson DeChambeau by four shots. A strong finish, culminating in a birdie on the 18th hole, places Morikawa in a tie for sixth place as the tournament heads into the weekend.

The exceptional performance of Tiger Woods in terms of viewership highlights his enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woods as he seeks to add another remarkable chapter to his storied career at Augusta National.

In the meantime, Bryson DeChambeau's two-shot lead, coupled with his consistent play, puts him in a favorable position moving into the 14th hole. The golfer's impressive back-to-back birdies in the famed Amen Corner further solidify his claim as one of the top contenders for the green jacket.

With two more days of exciting golf ahead, the Masters Tournament is poised to deliver intense competition, surprise twists, and unforgettable moments. Fans across the globe eagerly await the unfolding drama at Augusta National.