Jordan Spieth sets 36-hole Masters record at 14 under

Steve DiMeglio | USA TODAY Sports

AUGUSTA, Ga. — 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 1992 British Open also shot 130.

"As far as history and what happened the last couple days, doesn't mean anything, unless I can close it out," Spieth said. "I don't want to go in as the 36-hole best record, but somebody who didn't win. I just need to set a goal for myself, continue to strike the ball the way we have been and try and shoot under par rounds on this weekend."

Spieth, who came into the tournament having gone 1-2-2 in his last three starts, was fives shots clear of Charley Hoffman (68), who finished at 9 under. Hoffman gained ground with three consecutive birdies at 12, 13 and 14.

The next nearest player, with many still on the course, was four-time major champion Ernie Els sat 5 under after rounds of 67-72.

Spieth has made just one bogey in 36 holes.

"To have one bogey through 36 holes on this track means that I'm putting well and putting from short distances well," Spieth said. "I've just got to keep my head down and find greens in regulation so that I can continue to have looks. I'm getting some putts from mid‑range to go, and I don't really need to force anything."

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, shot a second-round 3-under 69 and was at 2 under for the tournament.