Rickie Fowler is the new favourite for The Masters after shooting a second round 67 to take him into a four-way tie of the lead alongside Europeans Sergio Garcia and Thomas Pieters, and overnight leader Charley Hoffman.

Fowler enjoyed the best round of the day at Augusta to put himself firmly in contention and he leads a major for the first time. He is sitting at the top of the betting markets and is the 7/2 favourite.

“I am excited, especially with where my game is at the moment and I am looking forward to the weekend, it is going to be fun,” said Fowler.

“I am looking forward to the weekend, it is going to be fun”

Rickie Fowler

Second in the betting at 6/1 is Sergio Garcia – whose 69 went saw him come home also on -4, whilst Belgian Thomas Pieters – one of the real rising stars of European golf – is at just 8/1 in what is his first ever Masters after an excellent 68 put him into contention.

After his round Garcia said: “I was hitting some good shots and making some good putts, I felt like I played great and struck the ball better than yesterday and a couple of stupid mistakes but I have stayed positive.”

Overnight leader Hoffman had a tougher day but battled to a 75 to make sure he was very much still in the mix although is now out to 16/1.

? 3:00pm – Sergio Garcia tees off SIX shots behind the leader.

? 6:00pm – Sergio Garcia is tied for the lead.

?? VAMOS! pic.twitter.com/eY9WO6OSPT

— bet365 (@bet365) April 7, 2017

It was still a tough day at the Augusta National with only nine players finishing under par.

Outside the top-four comes American William McGirt, who enjoyed a good first day but with a 73 he stands at -2 on his own.

Then on -1 there is three players with Ryan Moore, making his move with a 69, exciting young Spaniard Jon Rahm and England’s Justin Rose.

The final player in red figures, who was constantly getting the biggest cheers on his way around, was former winner and Augusta legend Fred Couples – who shot a very good 70.

There are three former winners in a share of 10th place in the shape of Phil Mickleson, Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth – with the latter two firing 69s. Spieth is now just 7/1 – third favourite – to claim another green jacket on Sunday.

Outside the top-ten and some of the world’s top players are very much in contention, including world number two Rory McIlroy – the highest ranking player at Augusta this week – who is sat at just +1.

The cut came in at +6 with just less than 60 players making it to the weekend. Defending champion Danny Willett finished on +7 and will not be playing on Saturday and Sunday.